The Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band have expanded evacuation orders connected to the massive Shetland Creek wildfire.

Monday morning, the TNRD ordered the evacuation of nine more properties between Ashcroft and Spences Bridge that were previously on alert, making it 97 properties now on evacuation order. The number of properties on alert meanwhile dropped from 222 to 213.

Late Sunday, the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band also expanded its evacuation orders to include seven more reserves – 8, 9, 10, 11, 11a, and 20 as well as IR 3 at the base of Arthur’s Seat. All of those areas were previously on alert.

“Today [Sunday], we saw the fire jump the Murray Creek FSR and rapidly climb the side of Arthurs Seat,” Cook’s Ferry Chief Christine Walkem said, in a post online. “There was also heavy smoke above town however it has not reached the fireguard. There was growth expected due to the weather and fuels.”

“There was activity all along Highway 1 as well, which has resulted in the closure of the Highway.”

As it stands, evacuation orders are in place for Cook’s Ferry reserves 3, 5, 5A, 6, 8, 8A, 9, 10, 11, 11a, 18, 19 Firstly, 20, and 22. Evacuation alerts cover IRs 1, 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 16 Twoyqhalsht, 16 Schikaelton, 17, and 19 Secondly.

The District of Logan Lake has also issued an evacuation order for the Highland Valley Copper water intake on the Thompson River, an area between the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band’s IR 20. There are no residential properties within the District of Logan Lake that are impacted by the order at this time.

Evacuation alerts also include Spences Bridge and portions of Cache Creek, as well as portions of the Ashcroft Indian Band and the Lytton First Nation.

Residents who are ordered to evacuate are being told to head to the Merritt Civic Centre at 1950 Mamette Avenue. The ESS reception centre will be open between 12 noon and 8 p.m. today.

The lightning-caused Shetland Creek wildfire is now estimated to be around 200 sq. kilometres in size.

The BC Wildfire Service is anticipating another day of aggressive burning conditions with increased fire behaviour because of continued hot and dry weather

“Winds will be predominantly south southwesterly, approximately 20 km/hr with gusts up to 30 km/hr and the potential for 40 km/h gusts at the top of the ridges,” the BCWS said. “Temperatures will remain in the 30’s with relative humidity values in the high teens for the afternoon.”

“Medium range spotting will continue with forecasted winds and as fuels remain dry and susceptible for ignition.”