On July 8, 8:50PM there was a lightening strike in the FR119 block off of Birch Lane in the center of our Landscape Level Fuel Break.
July 10, crews actioned a fire approximately 20X20m in size. The fire was a ground fire with little potential to get off the ground. Access was really good, allowing for a quick and easy hose lay. Overall time to fight the fire was a couple of hours and crews had the fire out and cold within 4 hours including mobilization, and demobilization.
Overall, this fire was a great example of the efficacy of the fuel treatments as it relates to reduced fire behaviour. The fire grew to 0.04 of a ha roughly in 3 days. Trees within the fire are expected to live with little to no charring and no damage to the crowns. Treatments also result in a safe and quick environment for the Initial Attack crews to access and extinguish the fire allowing for some savings to the province but also allows them more time to fight another fire and save on resources. The WLCF has received positive feedback on the treatments and a really great result. Other observation is that the area surrounding the fire is still quite green and lush. We haven’t hit high drought codes yet, but this area looks really good.
Below are photos of the fire but also one of the adjacent stand for reference on the pre-existing conditions.
