The double forest fire outside of Barrington is still burning.
The larger of the two fires is still expanding and has reached 100 hectares in size. The smaller fire, around one hectare, has been contained.
The Department of Lands and Forestry is still considering the larger fire out of control, though they do not expect it to grow during the afternoon.
Wildfire Training Officer Paul Schnurr provides an update on the fire.
c/o Department of Lands and Forestry
“This morning when they get there, there’s going to be smoldering conditions. There’s probably very little visible flame,” says Schnurr. “It was not what we would call a clean burn, we will likely be there a number of days to help put this out. The weather is favorable for the firefighters. We should be able to make good progress.”
20 firefighters from Lands and Forestry are at the scene using hose lines and pumps to try to contain hotspots along the perimeter of the fire. The two helicopters have returned to move equipment to remote areas and are on standby for flare ups.
No injuries have been reported so far. Lands and Forestry says there has been no damage to the three structures that were at risk in the area.
Schnurr is telling people to stay out of the area.
“Because of the unpredictable nature of the fires the public should not be trying to access the area,” says Shnurr. “But even after the fire is out the trees will be weakened. There’s still a hazard in terms of falling trees.”
