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Pemberton fires growing

Evacuation alerts remain for Upper Pemberton Meadows


An evacuation alert for the Upper Pemberton Meadows remains in effect Monday as the Copper Mountain and Camel Back East fires are still not contained and have grown in size.

The Copper Mountain fire is now estimated to be 435 hectares in size, up from 325 hectares on Saturday.

The Camel Back East fire is 300 hectares, up from 250 hectares Saturday.

Air tankers, up to 17 helicopters and 150 firefighters are battling wildfires in the Pemberton Zone Operation Centre. The largest fires in the zone are the Copper Mountain and Camel Back blazes.

Fire crews have built fire breaks to try and contain the two fires. Fire burn offs, to reduce fuel load, are being considered.

On Friday afternoon an evacuation order was issued for residents living north of Lillooet River from 9440 Hurley River Road up to and including the Howe Sound School District Outdoor School. The Hurley River Forest Service Road and the Ryan River Forest Service Road are closed.

Another community meeting regarding the fires in the Upper Pemberton Meadows is tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight (Aug. 3) at the Meadows Community Centre.

A public information line has been established at 1-866-417-4132 for area residents to call for update information. SLRD staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer calls at the SLRD office at 1-800-298-7753.

Meanwhile the Mount McLean fire west of Lillooet forced the evacuation of the town Sunday evening. No structures were reported lost overnight.
The 2,650 hectare fire was within 1 km of the town Monday.

Evacuation orders were also issued Sunday evening for the Seton Portage area west of Lillooet and the Yalakom Valley northwest of Lillooet.

Fire broke out Sunday evening near Seton Portage. The Seton Portage fire is not related to the Mount McLean fire, but is very close. The Seton Portage fire was estimated at 1,000 hectares Sunday evening.

Blackcomb fire contained

The fire on Blackcomb's Crystal Ridge that started with a lightning strike Thursday afternoon is now 100 per cent contained. Crews are on scene mopping up hotspots.