Sheltand Creek fire grows as conditions remain ‘very hot, very dry’ in B.C. Interior
Posted July 19, 2024 2:51 pm.
Last Updated July 19, 2024 5:03 pm.
Some structures have been burned as the out-of-control Shetland Creek continues to grow in B.C.’s southern Interior.
The fire is burning just north of Spences Bridge and south of Ashcroft.
Officials confirm to CityNews that they are aware some structures were damaged in the fire Thursday night, though the extent of damage and how many structures were affected is not known.
A Thompson-Nicola Regional District spokesperson says crews will have to wait until it is safe to enter the area to assess the situation and connect with affected owners.
The BC Wildfire Service says conditions in the area are “very hot and very dry,” adding fuel types near the fire are “very susceptible to fire behaviour and activity.”
“Overnight, it was a lot warmer and drier than expected, so going into this afternoon, we’re looking at those conditions to kind of continue and drive some more fire behaviour on this incident,” explained Morgan Blois, fire information officer, BC Wildfire Service.
The Shetland Creek fire doubled in size overnight into Friday. By Friday afternoon, it was an estimated 13,236.1 hectares.
“I can’t make a prediction as to how large it might grow tonight. We are expecting significant growth in the next day or two, for sure. It definitely just depends on how our winds turn out,” said Blois.
“Right now, we’re looking at the potential of gusts up to 50 kilometres per hour. If that continues for a long duration, exponential growth is definitely a potential.”
For now, Blois says growth is being seen on the north-end of the fire.
At this time, there are a number of evacuation alerts and orders in place, to ensure the safety of locals.
The Village of Cache Creek issued an evacuation alert Friday for multiple properties in Coyote Valley, the Cache Creek Airport, and properties on the east side of the highway from CRC to Coyote Valley.
“We continue to closely monitor the Shetland Creek Wildfire as it is growing quite quickly. As of now the main sections of the Village of Cache Creek are not under any alerts or orders, however we again recommend being prepared to leave should the need arise,” the village said.
Evacuation alerts have already been issued for dozens of properties north of Spences Bridge, west of Highway 1 from Spences Bridge, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, to just south of Ashcroft.
People on evacuation alert must be ready to leave their homes at a moment’s notice.
“It’s just a heads up that there is potential to need to evacuate people from the area. So giving people time to get their things in order — making sure you have all your essential items and belongings packed up, as well as food and water to sustain yourself and your household, that any pets are taken care of, and just preparing your home to potentially be rough for a few days,” explained Blois.
An evacuation order means the BC Wildfire Service is recommending you leave your home immediately.
Blois says staying behind can not only put yourself at risk, but also put first responders at risk.
Meanwhile, the BC Wildfire Service says people can expect “another few days of very active fire behaviour.”
“Smoke will be quite visible in the area,” said Blois.
Cliff Chapman with the BC Wildfire Service said Thursday the province appeared to be “on the precipice of a very challenging 72 hours” with hot and dry weather, dry lightning and strong winds forecast.
Scores of new fires have started since Thursday.
-With files from Srushti Gangdev and The Canadian Press
