The Bald Range wildfire expanded to 15,590 hectares overnight as BC Wildfire Service crews prepare for another day of challenging conditions across the Kamloops region. Officials anticipate fire behaviour similar to Sunday, when the blaze advanced one to 1.5 kilometres along its northwestern and southern flanks.
Forecasted winds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour failed to materialize Sunday night, limiting growth. However, improved visibility on Monday is expected to be offset by atmospheric instability pushing smoke from the nearby Brunswick Creek wildfire into the area. The BC Wildfire Service warns that sunshine could trigger increased fire activity, including intermittent candling, isolated trees torching from bottom to top.
Shifting winds and thunderstorm risk
A chance of thunderstorms looms over the Kamloops area. Winds are forecast to shift from north-northeasterly Monday morning to westerly by evening, a pattern similar to Sunday that could test containment lines. Crews are focused on the Trout Creek drainage, working to hold the fire on the drainage's south side while mopping up previously burned areas to prevent reburns.
On the southern flank, heavy equipment and ground crews continue building a contingency line near the golf course, tying it into Kettle Valley Road as a fallback barrier.
Aerial support limited by visibility
Helicopters carried the bulk of aerial suppression Sunday after deteriorating visibility grounded air tankers. The fixed-wing aircraft managed to complete a few retardant lines before conditions worsened. Meanwhile, BC Hydro, Okanagan Power and FortisBC are responding to downed power lines and other infrastructure damage in the fire zone.
The Bald Range fire remains one of several active blazes contributing to what forecasters have already described as a long wildfire season for British Columbia.
Based on reporting by Global News.