DAILY SITUATION REPORT
July 26, 2006
20:30
Ministry of Forests and Range
Protection Program
CONDITIONS REMAIN HOT WITH STRONG WINDS IN SOUTHERN INTERIOR
VICTORIA – Hot weather throughout southern BC combined with strong winds has challenged fire suppression crews
fighting the 260 lightning caused fires that have started this week. The long-term forecast shows that the weekend may
provide some relief to suppression crews in the form of lower temperatures and a chance of scattered shower activity.
However, for the rest of this week, conditions will remain hot, dry, and windy. For the latest information on wildfires and
bans and restrictions, visit www.for.gov.bc.ca/protect/
FIRE STATISTICS
Fires today
Fires Yesterday
Fires to date
Hectares burned to date
Costs Yesterday
Total Costs
2006
46
71
1,581
107,306
$2,455,598
$59,132,661
2005
3
10
583
26,905
$367,967
$23,555,269
2004
7
87
1,467
149,080
$1,026,523
$73,426,570
RESOURCES SUMMARY
As of July 24, 2006
Resources Deployed:
Aircraft:
Helicopters
Air Tankers
102
19
Personnel:
Forest Service staff
Contract fire fighters
Out of province resources
Other
Total:
664
374
105
286
1429
EVACUATIONS
Galiano Island
Evacuation Alert is in effect.
As of 15:00 on July 26, the evacuation order for all residences has been reduced to an evacuation alert.
Near Falkland
Evacuation Alert is in effect
5 homes were put on evacuation alert this morning
For the latest information on evacuations, please visit www.pep.bc.ca
BANS AND RESTRICTIONS

Restrictions on backyard burning (Category 2) and industrial burning (Category 3) are currently in effect in
Kamloops, Cariboo, Coastal, Prince George, Northwest and Southeast regions.
FIRES OF NOTE
COASTAL FIRE CENTRE
[V60335 / Galiano Island]

Estimated at 61-hectares; 100% contained

The fire cause is under investigation, although it is believed to be human caused.

The Capital Regional District has lifted the full evacuation order on July 26, 2006 allowing all residents to return to their
homes. The area is still on evacuation alert. For evacuation information, please contact Nancy Consaul (CRD
Spokesperson) at (250) 360-3229.

The following resources are on site:
o 3 local Gulf Island mutual aid fire departments
o 46 fire fighters
o 3 airtankers
o 4 helicopters
o 1 Structural Protection Unit (SPU)
o 6 heavy equipment
o 10 support personnel

The fire was first reported Sunday, July 23, 2006
Please direct media inquiries on fire operations and activity to Donna MacPherson at (250) 539-2261
Please direct media inquiries regarding evacuations or emergency social services to Nancy Consaul at (250) 360-3229
KAMLOOPS FIRE CENTRE
[K40857 / Tuktakamin Mtn., 5km SW of Falkland]

Mapped at 34-hectares, caused by lightning.

Early this morning, five homes on Dear Rd. were placed on evacuation alert by local government

Currently there are 45 fire fighters, a Type 2 fire management team, an information team, and 6 pieces of heavy
equipment on site

The fire is located in an area of heavy timber and extreme slopes that will make the fire difficult to contain for fire
suppression personnel
Please direct media inquiries on fire operations and activity to Jeanne Rucker (250) 554-5532 or Karlie Shaughnessy (250) 554-5530
Please direct media inquiries regarding evacuations or emergency social services to the Columbia-Shuswap R.D. at (250) 833-4938
[K70702 / 10km south of Spences Bridge]

Approximately 70-hectares, caused from a motor vehicle fire spreading to trees

Showing very aggressive growth because of hot conditions and strong winds through canyon

Fire is burning near train tracks, trestles, and a trailer park in close proximity

Currently there are 15 initial response fire fighters, 5 airtankers, 1 helicopter, and 2 heavy pieces of equipment
responding; additional resources are en route
Please direct media inquiries on fire operations and activity to Jeanne Rucker (250) 554-5532 or Karlie Shaughnessy (250) 554-5530
PRINCE GEORGE FIRE CENTRE
[G70611 / Whatley Creek, 75km SE of Tumbler Ridge]

400-hectares lightning-caused wildfire

Strong winds in area but cooler temperatures for today

Details on resources are unavailable at this time
Please direct media inquiries on fire operations and activity to Barbara Durau at (250) 565-6990
SOUTHEAST FIRE CENTRE
[N40402 / Canyon Hot Springs, E of Revelstoke]

Small interface fire in a debris pile estimated 250m from nearby homes

Fire was determined to be on private land and not under BCFS jurisdiction

BCFS helicopter bucketed spot fires and soaked surrounding area to assist owner in containing fire

Currently BCFS crews are on-site and helping to mop-up fire
Please direct media inquiries on fire operations and activity to Corwin Odland at 250-365-4014
-30-
2
Provincial
Media
Contacts:
Radha Fisher
Provincial Fire Information Officer
250-356-5249 – Office
250-361-8407 – Cell
Jeff Desjardins
Fire Information Officer
250-387-3109 – Office
250-812-6002 – Cell
3