July Mountain wildfire receives weekend precipitation

The July Mountain wildfire is now estimated at 6,306 hectares, and considered ‘out of control’.

“The fire saw growth yesterday through out the night and jumped across Highway 5. Helicopters responded to this excursion,” reads the file. “There were crews patrolling the fire throughout the night and reported that the fire did receive some precipitation. Due to the weather conditions that the area have seen, there has been a decrease in fire activity. Crews will work to take advantage of this throughout the day.”

While the evacuation alert was rescinded for some properties, an evacuation order does remain in effect for 25 properties in the area. Full details on the properties currently under an alert or order are here.

credit – TNRD

“(The fire) has seen quite a bit of precipitation over last few days. The night before last, we saw four hours of rain on the fire, and my understanding is there was more last night,” said Jean Strong. “We are continuing to work on building guards and have we also have aerial resources supporting crews in that area.”

It was noted by Strong that the decision to keep the Coquihalla open comes from the Ministry of Transport. Travelers are advised to check DriveBC before leaving.