While the Narcosli Creek Fire is slowly coming under control, the other three fires of note in Baezaeko Complex are still presenting fire fighters with a range of difficulties and the Chutlani Lake fire continues to encroach on Cariboo boundaries.
Blackwater River
This blaze, located east of the Blackwater River in the Nazko Area is being listed at 8,364 hectares, zero per cent of which is contained.
According to B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), crews are continuing to construct a contingency guard for four kilometres along the 51A road to secure it at this boundary where possible.
It did received precipitation overnight, which is hoped to be a positive sign.
Structure protection units will be maintained along the Nazko River and the fire is said to look good on the west flank of the river.
Yesterday, crews mopped up the excursions that had occurred the day before to the east and south and helicopters began bucketing in the afternoon.
Currently there are 40 firefighters, 15 pieces of heavy equipment being used to combat the blaze.
Fourteen helicopters are being shared among the four wildfires of note in the Baezaeko complex.
READ MORE: North Baezaeko and Blackwater River Fires move South; Narcosli Creek Fire less active
North Baezaeko
This fire, located south of Kluskoil Lake Park about 85 kilometres west of Quesnel is steadily growing larger, with its latest mapped perimeter listed at 10,440 hectares.
Like the Blackwater River fire, it is zero per cent contained
BCWS says crews will concentrate on the southeast flank.
They will complete a contingency line (guard) south of this wildfire (66A road) tying into the 2017 Plateau wildfire up to the Baezaeko River.
Heavy equipment will continue daylighting (widening) the 6700 road (south of wildfire) to the Blackwater River. They will also continue to construct a machine guard on the 6800 road.
This wildfire also received precipitation overnight.
Yesterday, the North Baezaeko wildfire crossed the Baezaeko River in the east and it is now approximately four kilometres west of the Nazko Road. It also moved north and is in the vicinity of Teepee Lake. It continues to move through cutblocks and wildlife tree patches to the west.
Helicopters began bucketing in the afternoon. For the eastern flank, bucketing gave crews more time to finish guard construction in this area.
Fifty seven firefighters and 20 pieces of heavy equipment, as well as the shared helicopters are battling the blaze.
READ MORE: Narcosli Creek evacuation order downgraded to alert
Shag Creek
Very little is being done on the largest fire in the Baezaeko Complex.
Located north of Itcha Ilgachuz Park, the 12,322 hectare blaze is still zero per cent contained.
BCWS says it is a modified response fire and is being monitored via air.
Yesterday, they were able to complete a reconnaissance flight of the blaze and say all primary structures are intact.
Some supplies were also delivered.
No resources are listed on the BCWS web page.
READ MORE: Evacuation order downgraded for 544 properties, from northern CRD border to Titetown
Narcosli Creek
This fire, which is located closest to a major population centre (31 kilometres southwest of Quesnel) has received the most attention and much progress has been made.
Although the 4,517 hectare fire is still very much active,BCWS says it is 90 per cent guarded and 50 per cent contained.
Crews will be monitoring and patrolling today and will continue with mop up the northwest excursion and in the south.
Specialists are conducting danger tree assessments and falling prior to crews commencing mop up.
Like the first two fires listed, this blaze received precipitation overnight.
Yesterday, crews finished a contingency guard from the southwest to the southeast and planned ignitions in the south were completed successfully.
The area burned was smaller than originally planned, which is a positive sign.
Helicopters began bucketing in the afternoon.
Currently there are 63 firefighters and 26 pieces of heavy equipment being used to combat the blaze as well as the 14 shared helicopters.
Chutlani Lake
Although this fire began in the Prince George Fire Zone, it has been creeping into the Cariboo.
The 19,857 hectare fire located 11 kilometres east of Tatelkuz Lake has been moving south east since it was spotted on July 30.
As of Friday, BCWS said the fire is 23 kilometres west of Titetown and 2 kilometres west of Batnuni.
Structural protection and crews were in Batnuni and Klunchatistl Lake.
The Kluskus Forest Service Road remains closed from the 70 kilometre mark to the 113 kilometre mark, as do the Martin Road and the Blue Road.
The west flank was scheduled to be patrolled and mopped up yesterday morning.
BCWS says they are continuing to monitor fire activity around Brewster Lakes area to the 94 kilometre mark to evaluate risk.
Active wildfires in Quesnel zone.
BCWS says there are nine active wildfires burning in this zone.
One is Being Held, one is Under Control and seven fires are in Out of Control status.
The Yuzkli Lake fire is south of Big Valley Creek and estimated at 100 hectares.
Heavy equipment established guard in areas that were accessible.
The fire west of Mustang Lakes is estimated at 123.5 hectares. Ground crews will continue to patrol and mop-up where necessary.
ronan.odoherty@quesnelobserver.com
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