The Sparks Lake wildfire, June 30, 2021.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/BC Wildfire Service
July 04, 2021 - 10:45 AM
The wildfire raging 15 kilometres north of Kamloops Lake grew overnight and more evacuation orders have been issued.
The Sparks Lake fire is currently mapped at 36,300 hectares after some growth on the southwest flank, according to the latest from BC Wildfire.
"There was significant growth on the fire the evening of July 3, moving onto the northeast edge of the Skeetchestn Indian Band's Reserve lands,” reads the statement from the wildfire service.
“At Cayuse Lake crews are holding the edge of the perimeter with air support and building a guard. On the Northwest flank where the fire is burning into the Elephant Hill Fire the fire behaviour is dropping off. The most active area of the fire yesterday was in the Criss Creek Drainage."
More evacuation orders have been issued.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/TNRD
The fire service said that due to safety concerns security will be stepped up to stop anyone from accessing the area of the fire BC Wildfire Service is working.
This afternoon more evacuation orders were also issued.
Chair Ken Gillis from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Kamloops issued an evacuation order for residents in Electoral Area “J”, also known as Copper Desert Country.
"Because of the potential danger to life and safety, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an evacuation order in the vicinity of Sabiston Lake for the following addressed properties: 2932 to 2964 Sabiston Creek Forest Service Road; other properties identified on the attached map," reads the alert.
If you are in the described area, you must leave immediately.
Emergency Support Services will only be provided if your primary residence is one of the properties under evacuation order. If possible, make arrangements to stay with friends or family as commercial lodging may not be available.
If your home is one of those under the order, you're asked to report to the McArthur Island Sports Centre Parking lot at 1655 Island Pkwy in Kamloops, and remain in, or near to, the vehicle you arrived in.
Additionally, an evacuation Alert has been issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Emergency Operations Centre in Kamloops effective as of noon July 4.
A current wildfire poses a threat to the structures and residents for 119 properties in the Sabiston Lake area of Electoral Area “J” (Copper Desert Country).
This Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
The attack on this fire is a 24-hour effort and there will be crews on site day and night.
There are currently 203 personnel assigned to this fire including firefighters and support personnel.
British Columbians who have been evacuated from their communities due to ongoing wildfires are urged to register with Emergency Support Services, whether or not they need support, so loved ones and communities know where they are and that they are safe.
Evacuees can register for Emergency Support Services online or by phone at 1 800 585-9559.
The Province continues to provide support to evacuees through Emergency Support Services throughout the province. Services provided include food, lodging, clothing, emotional support and information updates. Evacuee reception centres have been established in communities such as Kamloops, Chilliwack, Kelowna, Merritt, 100 Mile House, Aggasiz, Fort St. John, Shxwhay Village, Kelowna, Pemberton and Williams Lake.
The Canadian Red Cross is supporting by setting up a family reunification line to help those impacted by the fires. Those looking for loved ones are encouraged to call the Canadian Red Cross family reunification line (toll-free) at 1 800 863-6582.
News from © iNFOnews, 2021