Today fires within the Ootsa Lake Complex (south of Burns Lake) were displaying Rank 5 fire behaviour which can be characterized as extremely vigorous active crown fire. When fire behaviour like this is observed first responder safety is the top priority. Crews were reallocated to safe zones to reassess operational objectives while aviation resources continued to respond with heli-bucket support.
Structure protection is deployed to the north shore of Ootsa Lake, and crews will work overnight to respond to any spotting that may occur. High level infrared scanning will also take place tonight to get accurate mapping of the fire perimeters.