UPDATE 4:30 p.m.- The Ross Moore Lake wildfire has grown to an estimated 450 hectares in size.

It remains highly visible in Kamloops and along the Highway 5A corridor.

The BC Wildfire Service says the fire burning at a Rank 4 yesterday, indicating a highly vigorous surface fire.

“A heavy equipment task force has been activated for this incident,” the BCWS said. “An initial attack crew and response officer are [also] on scene today.”

UPDATE 9:30 a.m. –The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued evacuation orders and alerts for several properties south of Kamloops due to the Ross Moore Lake wildfire.

The order is for one property – 5725 Long Lake Road – while the alert covers 360 properties south of Kamloops. All of the properties are located between the Coquihalla and Highway 5A, and it includes the communities of Lac Le Jeune and Knutsford within the TNRD boundaries.

A number of other popular lakes south of Kamloops – including Stake Lake, Jacko Lake, Edith Lake, and McConnell Lake – are all located in the area that is under an evacuation alert.

People in the area ordered to evacuate are being told to leave immediately, and to make arrangements to stay with family or friends, if possible. They’re also being told to register for Emergency Support Services online or by calling the TNRD Emergency Operations Centre at 250-377-7188.

Those on evacuation alert are being told to be prepared to get ready to evacuate should the need arise.

“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an Evacuation Order; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions,” the TNRD said in a statement.

As of Saturday morning, the fire is listed at 210 hectares in size, growing from 95 hectares during the previous update on Friday evening. The fire was caused by a lightning strike during a storm on Thursday evening, though it wasn’t discovered until around 2 p.m. Friday afternoon.

For the latest evacuation orders and alerts in within the TNRD, go here.