Regional district issues evacuation alert for Murray Lake area as aggressive wildfire approaches

UPDATE — The Kamloops Fire Centre reported Tuesday night the Maka-Murray fire near Murray Lake has grown to 80 hectares.

The fire was reported Monday and was initially attacked with air tankers, helicopters and ground crews but was too aggressive for containment with retardant or on the ground and the crews were pulled off Tuesday afternoon.

Fire information officer Kayla Pepper said Tuesday night the lightning-caused fire was burning at Rank 5, meaning very aggressive and hard to control. She said spotter aircraft will return to the scene Wednesday.

The evacuation alert issued to property owners in the Murray Lake area affects about 30 to 35 properties.

NEWS/ WILDFIRES — An evacuation alert was issued Tuesday evening for residents in the vicinity of Murray Lake about 60 km. south of Merritt near the old Coquihalla toll booth.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued the alert shortly before 6:30 p.m., affecting several cabins near the lake. The 60-hectare fire was reported burning in the direction of the cabins.

The TNRD said the wildfire “poses an imminent threat to people and property.”

The alert advises residents to prepare for evacuation should it be necessary. They’re being told to locate all family members in preparation for evacuation to a safe reception centre, gather essential items such as medications, eyeglasses and valuable papers, collect pets and, if possible, move livestock to a safe area.

Should evacuation be necessary, the residents are advised to take the Maka-Murray Forest Service Road south to the Coquihalla.