For Immediate Release
August 30, 2003
10:00 AM

forests are tinder dry

KELOWNA – The Okanagan Mountain Park fire is estimated to be 20,100 hectares in size.  Resources in place include 678 fire-fighters, of which 350 are military personnel, 17 helicopters and 247 pieces of heavy equipment.

The fire is estimated to be 70 per cent contained.  Yesterday was another day where good progress was made.

Fire crews continue to establish control lines in an effort to secure a perimeter around the fire.  Work is also continuing on the mop up activities within the established control lines.

Winds are expected to be light today.  There will be an increase the ground fire activity due to increasing temperatures through the day; as a result we expect to see more ground fire activity and an increase in smoke from hot spots that continue to smolder.

The forest fire is still actively burning, fire crews will be here for weeks to come working to contain and mop up this fire.

The Vaseux fire is estimated to be 3,300 hectares; resources include 295 fire fighters, seven helicopters and 100 pieces of heavy equipment.

The fire is estimated to be 30 per cent contained.  Crews continue to work to hold the fire within the established control lines.  The increase in fire size overnight is a result of burn off activities used to secure control lines.

Current light wind conditions are favourable for the fire fighting effort in the southeast sector.  Weather forecast predicts stronger winds from the west this afternoon which will increase the fire activity and put pressure on the control lines on the eastern flank of the fire.

A backcountry travel restriction has been put into place for the southern portion of the province. This restriction will remain in effect until September 14, 2003, but may be extended if extreme fire danger continues.