A raging wildfire has forced residents of a First Nations reserve near Spences Bridge, British Columbia to evacuate their homes.
According to officials, the fire started on Monday afternoon and quickly spread due to strong winds and dry conditions. As of Tuesday morning, the blaze had grown to over 1,000 hectares and was still not under control.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued an evacuation order for the Kanaka Bar Indian Band, located about 15 kilometres south of Spences Bridge. The order affects approximately 200 people living on the reserve.
Chief Patrick Michell of the Kanaka Bar Indian Band said that the community is working closely with emergency officials to ensure the safety of its members.
“We are taking all necessary precautions to protect our community and our people,” Michell said in a statement.
The evacuation order comes as a precautionary measure, as the fire is currently not threatening any structures on the reserve. However, officials are urging residents to leave the area immediately and follow the designated evacuation routes.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has set up an emergency reception centre at the Merritt Civic Centre for evacuees to register and receive support.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been sparked by lightning.
This is the second wildfire to hit the Spences Bridge area in less than a week. Last Friday, a fire broke out near the community, but was quickly contained by firefighters.
The current wildfire is one of several burning across the province, as British Columbia continues to experience hot and dry weather conditions. As of Tuesday morning, there were 136 active wildfires in the province, with 12 of them being classified as “out of control.”
The BC Wildfire Service has issued a province-wide fire ban, prohibiting all open burning and campfires in an effort to prevent further wildfires.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities. The BC Wildfire Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
