More than 40 properties west of Merritt have been put on evacuation alert this evening because of two wildfires burning in close proximity north of Highway 8.
The Petit Creek wildfire is estimated to be around 100 hectares in size while the Buck Ridge wildfire is listed at 0.5 hectares. Both fires broke out today, though a cause is not yet known.
The BC Wildfire Service says the larger Petit Creek fire is burning 18 kilometres northwest of Merritt. It notes winds were a factor today leading to its growth.
As a result of the wildfire risk, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an evacuation alert as of 9 p.m. for Canford and Miller Estates. There are more than 40 addresses affected according to a map of the area.
The full map showing the evacuation alert areas can be found here.
The TNRD has activated its Emergency Operations Centre as a result of increased fire activity in the region. According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire danger rating is now listed as high for the entire southern Interior.
During an evacuation alert, the regional district says people affected should be prepared to leave their homes at a moment’s notice, if needed.
NL News has reached out the TNRD Emergency Operations Centre for more information.
(Photo: Twitter: Kamscan)
Evacuation Alerts has been issued by the TNRD EOC for the community of Canford in Electoral Area “N” and the community of Miller Estates Subdivision in Electoral Area “M” due to threat from current wildfire. pic.twitter.com/n5AX1VVwoO
— TNRD (@TNRD) April 19, 2021