The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued a new evacuation alert for a dozen properties in the Adams Lake area, due to the Bush Creek East wildfire.

All of the properties on alert are in Electoral Area “O” (Lower North Thompson), between 1908 Adams West Forest Service Road and 2424 Adams West Forest Service Road, as pictured here.

“This Evacuation Alert is in place to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary,” the TNRD said. “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 BC Wildfire Service says increased fire behaviour caused by northerly winds on Wednesday, August 2, resulted in rapid growth of the west flank of the Bush Creek East fire.

“The fire has reached the Adams Forest Service Road, the road is being assessed for impact and more information will be provided as it becomes available,” the BCWS said, urging people travelling in the area to be careful.

“Additional crew personnel have been assigned to this incident, including a Hot Shot Crew from the United States and a BC Wildfire Service Unit Crew. Helicopters, including two heavy lift helicopters, have been bucking steadily throughout the past week.”

Another 12 properties on the western flank of the Bush Creek East fire have been on evacuation alert since July 23.

The lightning-caused Bush Creek East Fire is estimated to be about 982 hectares in size. It popped up at the same time as the Lower East Adams Lake fire on the other side of Adams Lake.

A significant flare-up on the Lower East Adams Lake fire Wednesday afternoon led the TNRD, the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District, and the Adams Lake Indian Band to issue evacuation orders.

As of Thursday morning, the BC Wildfire Service said no structures were lost Wednesday night as crews were able to hold the fire primarily north of Rawson Road, where residences are located.