Screengrab of a video showing the Ross Moore Lake fire. (Photo via Jaymz Bethell/TLC for Pets facebook)
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued new evacuation orders, south of Kamloops, as the Ross Moore Lake fire burns out of control.
The order, issued at 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening, covers a total of 344 properties in Electoral Area “J” (Copper Desert Country) and Electoral Area “L” (Grasslands), as listed below.
- Lac Le Jeune area;
- Long Lake Road and adjoining roads south of the intersection with Goose Lake Road;
- Areas south of Goose Lake Road, including Edith Lake Road;
- All areas west of Highway 5A from Napier Lake to just south of the Knutsford Campground; and
- all areas highlighted red in the attached map.
A look at the Ross Moore Lake evacuation order on July 23, 2023. (Photo via TNRD)
The order now covers the areas around Lac Le Jeune, Edith Lake, Stake Lake, and McConnell Lake are all under an evacuation order at this time. Jacko Lake, near Knutsford, remains on an evacuation alert.
“The wind has been horrendous the last few days,” TNRD Area L Director, Doug Haughton, told Radio NL, noting it has made the situation worse. “This fire blew up like a cannon…and its expanding by the day, and in and around Knutsford-area is just nothing short of a fire zone.”
“Few of my neighbours that are next door to me have it very hard. So far tonight, I think I’m fortunate. The fire is right through the fence for me and it may hit me by morning. I was fortunate to get the livestock out but some of my neighbours are having tougher times.”
Haughton also says unlike the nearby Scuitto Creek Fire that also broke out Friday, he feels the Ross Moore Lake fire hasn’t had a lot of air support on it.
“I’m not being critical, I’m just being realistic,” Haughton said. “When we had the fire here the other day, we had great air support. To me it looked like a war zone with planes flying over but we sure haven’t had that in the Ross Moore fire.”
The BC Wildfire Service has had air tankers, water bombers, and helicopters on the Ross Moore Lake fire, along with a heavy equipment taskforce and ground crews. It said aerial support would be deployed as needed, as long as visibility and safety allowed for it.
People who have been ordered to evacuate are being told to head to the reception centre at McArthur Island in Kamloops. They’re also being told to register for Emergency Support Services online.
The BC Wildfire Service says the fire is burning at a Rank 4, indicating a highly vigorous surface fire. Video posted on Facebook showed the intensity of the blaze, which has been spreading due to the hot and dry weather and strong winds.
The TNRD has also expanded its evacuation alert to the east, west and south to cover 157 properties in Electoral Areas J and L, as below:
- The areas South of Kamloops;
- East of Highway 5;
- North of Stump Lake;
- West of Roche Lake; and
- as outlined in the attached map.
While the TNRD’s evacuation orders stretch very close to Kamloops city limits, the City has not expanded its evacuation alert for properties in Knutsford, citing recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service.
“The City is aware that the TNRD has expanded their evacuation order closer to city boundaries, however, BCWS indicates there is no increased threat extending into the City’s alert area at this time,” a statement from the City said.
Kamloops Fire and Rescue is also assisting BC Wildfire Service crews with suppression efforts with the expanded TNRD evacuation zone.
“This is outside of City limits but will provide an enhanced response to the Ross Moore Lake fire suppression efforts,” the City added.
UPDATE July 23, 8:00 pm: The City continues to work closely with BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and the @TNRD on the Ross Moore Lake Fire. Based on recommendations from BCWS, the City is not expanding the current evacuation alert in Knutsford. Read more: https://t.co/GYr2TDlzLg
— City of Kamloops (@cityofkamloops) July 24, 2023
As of 5:40 p.m. Sunday, the lightning-caused fire was estimated to be 1,800 hectares – 18 sq. km – in size, with the fire’s northern perimeter about 13 km away from the City of Kamloops. It has also forced the closure of Long Lake Road, according to Drive BC.
Monday’s forecast high is 27 C, with Environment Canada also calling for a 60 per cent chance of showers in the evening. Tuesday’s forecast is also calling for a day time high of 23 C and a 40 per cent chance of showers.
For the latest evacuation orders and alerts in within the TNRD, go here.
