“The visibility and the terrain are the two big challenges with this fire,” stated Colman. “Unfortunately with just how narrow the Fraser canyon is it’s really difficult for tankers to get in there, so we haven’t been able to utilize them. But the helicopters are much more nimble can get in those tight valley but the smoke is preventing them from being able to get up.”

The summer season has been calmer than expected, with the fire danger rating in Kamloops currently listed as moderate.

“We know that this can change in an instant,” said BC Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar during a news conference Tuesday (July 29) morning. “Right now 98.5 per cent of the hectares burned have been in the Prince George Fire Centre, primarily in northeastern British Columbia. In the rest of the province we are seeing a season that is quieter than usual but let me be clear don’t let that lull (you into) a false sense of security.”

Calm winds are expected to remain, which will benefit the firefighters on the ground, but may hinder air resources moving forward.

“The conditions today are hot and dry and not so much windy which is why that smoke is sitting there and we expect much of the same tomorrow as well,” said Colman. “So, hopefully in the afternoon we will see a little but of gustiness that will help lift the smoke up so we can get some aircraft up, but we will see how it plays out.”