UPDATE 1:45 pm – The Columbia-Shuswap Regional District has upgraded an evacuation alert for the Sorrento area to an evacuation order because of the the threat of wildfire on Squilax mountain.

It has also issued an evacuation order for the Skimikin area south of Sorrento with other other evacuation orders and alerts that were issued Friday still in in place.

An evacuation alert was also issued for the western parts of Blind Bay and Notch Hill in Electoral Area G, as well as Tappen in Electoral Area C.

A boil water notice has also been issued for users of the Sorrento and Mac Reedman water system.

“The notice has been issued due to uncertainty that adequate treatment is being met,” the Shuswap Emergency Program said, in a post on Facebook.

Late Friday night, the Adams Lake Indian Band also issued an evacuation order for the Sahhaltkum IR #4 near Chase and the Stequmwhulpa IR #5 between Chase and Sorrento.

The BC Wildfire Service says the extreme fire behaviour on the Lower East Adams Lake and the Bush Creek East fires began around 2 p.m. Friday, driven by winds from the north.

“Last night was one of the most challenging nights for first responders, including structural fire departments, search and rescue, wildland firefighters, local governments, and all others involved this summer,” it said in a post online Saturday. “There have been impacts to communities.”

“Fire growth was primarily due south, with local valleys and the lakes affecting the direction of spread. There will be expanded Evacuation Orders and Alerts today based on fire growth.”

Officials with the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District also say no lives have been lost but that its too early to assess the damage.

The Trans-Canada Highway remains closed in both directions between Chase and Sorrento. People are being told to detour using Highway 97 and Highway 97A or 97B.

– With files from Paul James