A wildfire west of 100 Mile House has prompted an evacuation order for hundreds of residents in the area.
The Cariboo Regional District has issued the order for residents in the 108 Mile Ranch community west of Highway 97, the 105 Mile community west of Highway 97, properties on Abel Lake Road, Helena Lake Road, Lily Pad Lake Road, Tatton Station Road, Exeter/McKinley Road and Tatton Station Road and the west side of Lac la Hache. An emergency reception centre has been set up at the 100 Mile House Curling Club.
The fire, which was discovered Thursday, has ballooned to 1,200 hectares in size. Smoke being generated by the fire is making it difficult to ascertain its exact size. Smoke and occasional flames can be seen by motorists travelling on Highway 97, making for slow travel.
BC Forest Service crews, with the assistance of the 100 Mile House fire department, worked through the night with heavy equipment to build containment lines along the eastern flank of the fire from the 1100 Road to the Helena Lake Road. These lines are currently being reinforced by ground and air resources.
There are currently 120 firefighters on the scene, backed up by six helicopters, air tankers, and 15 pieces of heavy equipment.
The RCMP has restricted access to the nearby area for public safety.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.