Cariboo Regional District issues evacuation order for the Moose Valley fire area

An evacuation order has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District for the Moose Valley fire area north of Big Lake.

The BC Wildfire Service says “People in the area are at risk and should leave the area immediately.”

The district says the evacuation order is effective as of Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and is in effect for the areas shown on the map below.

“You must leave the area immediately,” the district said.

To receive Emergency Support Services the district is asking residents to self-register using the Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool or report to the “ESS Reception Centre in the 100 Mile House Community Hall at 385 Birch Ave.” (will add the link)

“Residents who choose not to evacuate should understand they stay at their own risk,” the district said.

The Moose Valley wildfire is “out-of-control” and burning at 240 hectares as of Wednesday evening, and was first discovered on Monday, July 22.

“It is producing a large column of smoke which is visible from surrounding communities and commuters on Highway 97. BC Wildfire Service personnel are responding to the wildfire and are supported by heavy equipment and helicopters bucketing,” the service said in an X post.

According to the BCWS, the suspected cause of this wildfire is lightning.