WILDFIRE – Evacuation order issued for village of Cache Creek as fire advances

CACHE CREEK – The entire village of Cache Creek is being evacuated in the face of a rapidly moving wildfire.

Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta signed the evacuation order late this afternoon (4:15 p.m., July 7, 2017) because of danger to life and health. Residents are being told to report to the Emergency Social Services Reception Centre set up at the McIsland Island Sports Lounge in Kamloops.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District emergency operations centre advised evacuees to turn off power and gas to their residences. Arrangements are also being made to accommodate evacuated livestock.

A state of local emergency was also issued for TNRD electoral Area I (Blue Sky Country) due to the fire’s potential impact on safety and the economy.

Highway 1 between Ashcroft and Cache Creek was closed in both directions. Smoke is visible from Highway 97C.

Forty-eight firefighters, supported by aircraft and heavy equipment, are fighting the 700-hectare blaze, which started on Thursday. The Ashcroft and Cache Creek fire departments are also involved in fighting the fire.

Cause of the fire is under investigation.

The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that structures have been impacted by the fire but the number isn’t known.

The Gustafsen wildfire just west of 100 Mile House has reached 1,500 hectares and is growing. The 100 Mile House Fire Department is helping fight that one. An advisory early this afternoon said it’s expected to grow substantially in the next few hours depending on wind and weather conditions.

The Cariboo Regional District has issued an evacuation order for a number of properties in the area. One hundred and 20 firefighters and six helicopters plus 15 pieces of heavy equipment are working on the fire.

The Harrison Lake East fire is at 135 hectares, with 81 firefighters and five helicopters on the job there. Access restrictions are in place. It is not an interface fire.