B.C. wildfires force more evacuation near Ashcroft and Kelowna

ASHCROFT (NEWS 1130) — More communities are being ordered to evacuate or prepare to due to ongoing wildfires. There are around 300 fires burning in B.C., and recent hot and dry conditions have only hampered firefighting efforts. Nearly 20 new fires have been sparked in the last two days, the majority of which are believed to have been started by lightning.

B.C. Interior

Properties east of Ashcroft are under an evacuation order due to the Tremont Creek wildfire. More than 100 properties were told to leave Wednesday night, and the downtown core was placed on evacuation alert. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District told evacuees to report to Chilliwack Senior Secondary School for emergency support services. There are several neighbouring areas under evacuation alert, including the community of Cache Creek, and people should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice should nearby wildfires spread closer to homes.

In total, there are 15 evacuation orders within the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, the majority of them north of Savona.

The Lytton Creek fire, which destroyed 90 per cent of the village of Lytton, continues to spread. Nearby fires, the George Road fire and the Tremont Creek wildfire, have joined together to make up the Lytton Creek complex, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

B.C. Cariboo Region

Farther north near 100 Mile House, more than 1,500 properties in B.C.’s Cariboo region are being evacuated due to a wildfire coming from the south.

The 1,072 properties south of 100 Mile House are being threatened by the Deka Lake wildfire.

“Due to immediate danger to life and safety due to fire, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action,” says the order.

Another 482 properties in the Canim Lake area are being threatened by the Canim Lake 1,600 hectare blaze.

And close by, the Flat Lake fire remains burning west of Lone Butte. Travel throughout the region has been impacted by the fires and there remains several air quality advisories as a result of heavy smoke.

Okanagan Region

West of Kelowna, the Brenda Creek area was evacuated overnight due to a fire. The fire is burning south of the Okanagan Connector, and is classified as out-of-control.

#BCWildfire Service is responding to the Brenda Creek wildfire (K51924) currently burning south of the #Okanagan Connector (#BCHwy97C), highly visible from the roadside. ~40km from #WestKelowna, this fire is estimated to be 40 ha and is classified as “Out of Control.” pic.twitter.com/2BgChVaIrb

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 15, 2021

Southeastern B.C.

Among the latest fires to begin in recent days, there is a 240 hectares fire now growing near Revelstoke. It is suspected to be human-caused and is classified as out-of-control.

#BCWildfire Service is monitoring a fire located 25km SW of #Revelstoke and S of Three Valley Lake. This fire is estimated to be 240 ha, classified as “Out of Control” & highly visible to Revelstoke & surrounding areas. Suspected to be human-caused & will be under investigation. pic.twitter.com/pFhBk5unBO

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 15, 2021

Northern B.C. 

South of Fraser Lake, the Cutoff Creek Wildfire led to an evacuation order Wednesday night for properties south of the intersection of Kenney Dam Road and Brophy Road, southwest to Knewstubb Lake, and southeast to the 600 FSR, including Saik’uz IR Tatuk Lake 7, Tatuk, and Finger FSR.

#BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the Cutoff Creek fire (G41269) which is estimated at 12,000 ha & remains Out of Control. An Evacuation Order has been issued by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, Saik'uz First Nation & BC Parks effective July 14, 2021, at 18:00. pic.twitter.com/maCTmeHfh6

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 15, 2021

Evacuees are asked to register at the Reception Centre in Vanderhoof Municipal Arena at 340 Columbia St. East or contact the Emergency Support Services Director at 1-778-916-1995.

An evacuation alert was also expanded to include the areas east of the Nechako River including the Kenney Dam Road West to the Corkscrew RSF and Sinkut Road.

#BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the Grizzly Lake wildfire (G41711) which is estimated at 2,800 ha & remains Out of Control. An Evacuation Order has been issued by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) effective July 14, 2021, at 19:00 due to the wildfire. pic.twitter.com/13BF3mil7I

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 15, 2021

Nearby, the Grizzly Lake Wildfire forced people to leave their homes Wednesday evening in the area southeast of the 900 and 800 Road including Naltesby Lake and Little Bobtail Lake. Evacuees are also asked to register in Vanderhoof. Anyone who remains in the area and disregards the evacuation orders does so at their own risk, according to officials.

The province has announced it will be matching all Red Cross donations to help those impacted by the wildfires, up to $20 million.

Donations can be made at the Red Cross website, as well as BC Liquor stores.