The Cariboo Regional District issued an evacuation order Wednesday for 1,074 properties from Flat Lake to Green Lake North, after a wildfire grew to 2,000 hectares overnight.
“Due to immediate danger, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action,” the CRD said in a news release.
The order, which covers 56,970 hectares, has also prompted evacuation alerts for the District of 100 Mile House, as well as 3,086 properties in the Horse Lake and Sheridan Lake communities Wednesday.
Residents are asked to leave the area immediately and register at the ESS Centre at the Women’s Centre in Williams Lake at 51A Fourth Avenue South. Evacuation routes are via Highway 97 North; Little Green Lake Road to North Bonaparte Road to Highway 24, West to Highway 97 North to 100 Mile House; and Watch Lake Road North to Highway 24 West to Highway 97 North to 100 Mile House.
The fire also resulted in Highway 97 being closed in both directions Wednesday, from Big Bar Lake Road north of Clinton to 16 kilometres north of 70 Mile House. This was “to protect the public from hazards as well as to ensure firefighter safety,” BC Wildfire Service information officer Jessica Mack said.
Mack didn’t have any further information as of press time Wednesday on the fire, which was discovered July 8 and is suspected to be lightning-caused.
100 Mile District Mayor Mitch Campsall said the evacuation alert for 100 Mile includes all residents. The CRD has also put out the evacuation alert for 3,086 parcels of land that covers 47,905 hectares in the Horse Lake and Sheridan Lake communities.
Residents living in the Horse Lake and Sheridan Lake area are asked to make a plan to transport all family members out of the area if needed and to keep essential items ready for a quick departure. Pets and livestock should also be ready to move or placed in a safe area. It is also advised that potential evacuees ensure they have 72 hours worth of supplies.