The wildfire west of Alexis Creek continues to grow as what was initially reported as a small five hectare blaze on Monday had expanded to 600 hectares on Tuesday, according to B.C.’s Wildfire Management Branch.
Effective Tuesday afternoon, the Cariboo Regional District issued an evacuation alert for the Bayliff Road area near Alexis Creek as a result of the wildfire. A total of nine mapped residences are under this alert.
A public information line has been established at 250-398-5581.
The location of the fire is approximately 24-kilometres west of Alexis Creek and caused Highway 20 to close Monday but has since re-opened.
“Highway 20 is open but traffic has been impacted and there is limited access. There are flaggers directing traffic at the moment,” said Fire Information Officer Sandra Wagner. “This is subject to change depending on the behaviour of the fire and the alternate route (Chilko Lake and Bayliff Route) may be needed again to re-route traffic.”
Luckily no structures or communities have been threatened by the fire and fire crews are working hard to extinguish the blaze.
“Air Tankers, helicopters, ground personnel and heavy equipment are all being applied to the fire. Crews worked well into the evening on Monday and are back working onsite today,” said Wagner. “The fire is displaying aggressive behaviour and has challenged the fire retardant lines.”
The Wildfire Management Branch is currently assessing property values as residents are under potential evacuation alert.
For updates and information visit www.bcwildfire.ca.