Two properties in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) are now on evacuation order due to the Riley Creek wildfire, while 14 properties along Lytton-Lillooet Highway 12 and Kirbys Flat Road are now on evacuation alert.
The Riley Creek wildfire, which is burning out of control nine kilometres south of Lillooet, was discovered on June 24, and is currently estimated at 1,150 hectares. BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says that the fire was caused by lightning.
The two properties on evacuation order, at 24500 and 25000 Texas Creek Road, had been placed on evacuation alert on July 30. The order and new alert were put in place on the evening of July 31.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has also issued an evacuation order in response to this fire, and expanded an existing evacuation alert. These also came into effect on the evening of July 31.
The Riley Creek fire continues to see increased activity on its southern flank. The fire is in very steep and rocky terrain that poses a safety risk for responders. It is burning upslope at high elevation, and smoke is highly visible to surrounding communities.
The fire is slowly progressing south and southeast at high elevation, and helicopters have been bucketing in the area to reduce fire behaviour. Personnel are continuing to build guard and conduct hand falling from the heavy equipment guard to the east of the fire.
Structure protection personnel remain on site, establishing water delivery systems to the east of the fire. The increase in structure protection personnel is due to the potential for an increase in fire activity as a result of a cold front that will be moving over the area on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 1), and which is likely to bring increased wind gusts.
For information about the evacuation order and alert issued by the TNRD, go to the TNRD’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) dashboard. The TNRD EOC can be contacted at 250-377-7188 (toll-free at 1-866-377-7188)
For information about the evacuation orders and alerts for the Riley Creek wildfire issued by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, go to their EOC Evacuation Alerts and Orders page.
For information about this and all other wildfires currently burning in the province, go to the BC Wildfire Service website.