WATCH: Crews are also making headway against a fire near Falkland, but as Jeremy Hunka reports, some residents are still fearing the worst.
Two dozen properties near Falkland are still under an evacuation alert due to the Bolean Lake wildfire, but there has been a marked reduction in fire behaviour over the last couple of days. Cooler temperatures, calmer winds and higher humidity have reduced fire activity, while the hard work of crews has led to significant progress building containment lines around the perimeter.
The Bolean Lake wildfire remains 348 hectares in size and is now 50 per cent contained. The majority of the fire activity is on the southern flank.
There were 74 firefighters, five helicopters and four pieces of heavy equipment active on the fireline on Friday. Today crews focused on reinforcing guard on the southern flank and mop-up of hot spots along the fire’s perimeter.
The Evacuation Order for the Bolean Lake Lodge has been rescinded.
The wildfire is believed to have originated from a lightning strike above Chase Falkland Road and spread during heavy winds on Monday. The fire spotted ahead of itself and a second fire started that is running along the plateau to the north east of Bolean Lake.
WATCH: Bolean Lake wildfire update
For those under evacuation alert, it is a waiting game.
“It keeps wanting to come down the mountain, which is scary because it is right above our house and it is only about 1,000-1,500 feet up,” said Henry Talbot, whose home is one of those under alert.
Talbot’s home was destroyed in a house fire four years ago, making the prospect of rebuilding particularly worrying.
“It is a tremendous amount of work and it is very stressful. Hopefully they can get it under control. I guess today will tell one way or the other. If it gets worse it could be really bad,” he said.
“If we have to leave we will leave. We don’t want to, but if we have no choice we will.”
– With files from Justin McElroy, Jeremy Hunka and Jon Azpiri
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