Photo: BC Wildfire Service

The Shetland Creek bushfire grew to 17,266 hectares as of Sunday 21 July 2024.

Warmer and drier conditions on Sunday created aggressive fire conditions, with increased fire behavior.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, winds were predominantly from the south and southwest and were blowing at 10-15 km/h yesterday, with gusts up to 30 km/h. Temperatures remained in the low 30s.

“Medium-range spotting was observed due to a combination of higher wind speeds and fuels remaining dry and susceptible to ignition,” BCWS said.

Yesterday aggressive fire behaviour was observed on the eastern flank, between North and South Venables Road. Due to concerns about compromised access and escape routes, firefighters working in the Venables Valley area withdrew to safety zones.

The size of the Shetland Creek bushfire was determined at 17,266 hectares at 10.25pm ​​on Sunday.

Work continued last night with crews taking on structure protection in the Venables Valley and along Oregon Jack Road. Ground crews were also stationed along Highway 1 conducting small hand ignitions to remove fuel between the fire edge and the highway.

A helicopter was also used at night for reconnaissance and infrared scanning.

On Sunday, the fire was visible to the south across the Murray Creek FSR and was burning further south in the valley. However, BCWS said it posed no immediate threat to the community of Spences Bridge.

Highway 1 remains closed between Spences Bridge and west of Cache Creek. Motorists should use alternate routes. Truckers are reminded that there is no commercial access to Highway 8.

Several evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect in the Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Cook’s Ferry and Spences Bridge areas.