People living in parts of the Cariboo Region were ordered to evacuate Sunday as wildfires continued to spread.
The Laidman Lake wildfire "poses a risk to life and safety," to communities south of Prince George, the Cariboo Region states.
Details on which properties are at risk are posted online.
People living in the affected areas - about 62,488 hectares - were told:
- If you are in the area under Evacuation Order, you are at risk and must leave immediately
- Refer to the Evacuation Order and instructions for information specific to your community
- Create a profile or log in to Emergency Support Services (ESS) and learn how to access short-term basic support
- Call 1-800-387-4258 for help with online registration or general information
- Monitor local information channels on the web, social media, radio and TV
Update (3:30 p.m. July 21): The Cariboo Regional District has upgraded its evacuation alert for Barkerville to an evacuation order.
As a result, residents are asked to leave the area immediately.
“Due to immediate danger to life safety due to fire, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action," the Cariboo Region stated in the notice to affected residents. "You must leave the area immediately. Persons who disregard this evacuation order and remain in the evacuation order area do so at their own risk."
Emergency crews may not be able to assist people who choose to stay, the statement continues.
People evacuating are instructed to travel west on Highway 26 to Quesnel, where they can register at the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre at 500 North Star Rd.
The B.C. Wildfire Service updated the situation Sunday.
"Lighting-caused wildfires continue to show along lightning tracks, predominantly in the southeast, northeast and central parts of the province," the service states.
"Fire suppression efforts continue to be challenged due to hot, dry conditions and localized winds. Initial attack continues to be a high priority for newly discovered wildfires, and we ask the public to keep reporting new wildfires in. Please use the web and mobile app to report a fire if possible, as your photos are very valuable to our early assessments for response. Fire reports can also be made to *5555 or 1-800-663-5555."
The weather isn't helping, the service notes: "A three-week heat wave continues, and more hot and dry conditions are expected to continue for most of the province. (Currently) lightning potential is focused in the northern part of our province, however thunder cells are also possible elsewhere."
