(UPDATE: Sept. 29th @ noon) — The Elephant Hill wildfire is now listed as 100% contained.
The fire that wreaked havoc in the TNRD and CRD this summer is under control and hasn't seen any growth in more than three weeks.
The fire is now estimated at 191,865 hectares, but the smaller size is due to better perimetre mapping.
"Crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire on an ongoing basis," reads the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service.
"Hot spots in the interior of the fire perimeter will be left to burn themselves out unless they are within close proximity to values such as structures.
"Danger trees are present in the area because this summer's fire activity has weakened roots and damaged many trees, making them very susceptible to toppling over in the event of wind."
All evacuation orders related to the Elephant Hill wildfire were rescinded on September 20th. BC Wildfire says operational staff are slowly demobilizing and rehabilitation support staff are transitioning in.
(UPDATE: Sept. 20th @ 9:40 a.m.) - It's now been more than two weeks since the Elephant Hill wildfire last grew in size.
The fire is still at 192,725 hectares and is now up to 85% contained.
"Crews continue to make good progress on the Elephant Hill wildfire, especially with cooler conditions recently," reads the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service. "There has been no additional growth or change to the fire perimeter."
On Wednesday, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District rescinded the final evacuation alerts in connection to the fire.
"The Elephant Hill Wildfire is no longer considered a threat to properties in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District," said a release from the District. "As a result, all evacuation alerts in place have been lifted and the area is now considered 'All Clear'."
With the recent progress on the fire, crews have been scaled back to 437 firefighters, 34 pieces of heavy equipment and three helicopters.
(UPDATE: Sept. 18th @ 10:00 a.m.) - The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has rescinded all remaining evacuation orders for the Elephant Hill wildfire.
Most properties remain on evacuation alert.
The fire remains at 192,725 hectares, where it has been for the last two weeks, and it's now up to 70% contained.
"Crews continue to make good progress on the Elephant Hill wildfire, especially with cooler conditions recently," reads the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service. "There has been no additional growth or change to the fire perimeter."
Despite the recent success in battling the blaze, more than 500 firefighters remain on scene with 40 pieces of heavy equipment and five helicopters lending a hand as well.
(UPDATE: Sept. 5th @ 2:05 p.m.) - The elephant Hill wildfire is currently being estimated at 192,725 hectares and is 50% contained. The BC Wildfire Service reports that they saw a lot of fire activity over the weekend as the fire headed towards Sheridan Lake.
“We had a really volatile situation with the fire heading towards Sheridan Lake over the weekend and due to work on the ground and favourable wind shift, we were able to protect structures in that area,” said Kevin Skrepnek of the BC Wildfire Service.
Today, approximately 200 firefighters, with heavy equipment and air support, continue to build control lines and burn off fuels along the head of the fire between Green and Sheridan Lake.
Planned ignitions will be on going in the vicinity of Brigade Creek north of Hihium Lake until secure control lines are established.
(UPDATE: Sept. 4th @ 1:20 p.m.) - The Elephant Hill wildfire is still active but remains at 186,800 hectares and 50% containment.
The wind shift has caused the smoke to move into Deadman Vally and Kamloops.
Smelling smoke in #Kamloops & area? It's drifting in from the Elephant Hill #BCwildfire. If you spot open flame, report to *5555 ASAP pic.twitter.com/l3NKOyNpc9
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 3, 2017
There are currently 577 firefighters, 18 helicopters, 100 pieces of heavy equipment, and structural firefighters working around properties.
Crews, heavy equipment, and structural protection specialists are working with 24-hour coverage in critical places along the fire's north flank to best protect life, property, and infrastructure.
Containment lines have been built by Jim Mt. from Tin Cup Lake to Nolan Creek, with crews working to secure area between Nolan Lake and Jim Lake today. The lines to the south of Green Lake are connected to current objectives to push line north up to Jack Frost Lake, and will be built east to Sheridan Lake as safe conditions allow.
On the northeast flank, crews and equipment are working north from Pressy Lake to build lines to tie in with ongoing line construction to widen the Sheridan-Rayfield FSR to protect adjacent values. Crews continue to work to secure lines by Young Lake and along the east flank to Hihium Lake.
(UPDATE: Sept. 2nd @ 2:00 p.m.) - Extreme fire behaviour is a risk this afternoon.
There was little growth over night.
The fire is still estimated at 186,800 hectares with 50% containment.
With hot temperatures and southeast winds gusting up to 15 km/hr Saturday morning and southwest winds expected to gust up to 35 km/hr this afternoon, extreme fire behaviour is expected.
Crews are working heavily to guard the active north flank. All resources available, including ground and air are on the scene.
Crews are working 24 hours to cover the critical areas as structures have been impacted, and they're hoping to protect future structures.
On September 1st, the Cariboo Regional District expanded the evacuation order in the interlakes area around Highway 24. Please visit their website for further details on the Evacuation Order.
(UPDATE: Sept. 1st @ 1:30 p.m.) - Hot and dry conditions continue to push the Elephant Hill wildfire up towards 200,000 hectares.
Currently, it sits at 186,800 hectares and remains 50% contained.
Some Friday afternoon winds will once again test the crews working on containment and it will only get worse over the weekend.
"While today's winds tend to push the northern flank back on itself and help current suppression objectives, the weather is not favourable over the weekend with winds forecast to come from the south and temperatures increasing," said a Friday morning update from the BC Wildfire Service. "The wind shift tomorrow is anticipated to be dramatic, with strong wind gusts and extreme fire weather."
There are 463 firefighters, 86 pieces of heavy equipment and 18 helicopters fighting the blaze.
(UPDATE: Aug. 30th @ 1:10 p.m.) - The Elephant Hill wildfire is currently experiencing increased fire behaviour.
It remains around 175,000 hectares in size and 50% contained, but several days of sustained hot and dry conditions and increased strong gusty winds are keeping things difficult.
On Tuesday, the fire managed to move beyond containment lines on the northeast tip towards Jack Frost Lake.
There are 418 firefighters, 93 pieces of heavy equipment and 17 helicopters fighting the blaze as of Wednesday morning.
More activity on #ElephantHill wildfire- 24hr hotspots. Fire perimeter=estimate only. Darker hotspot- more recent. From @CWFIS #BCWildfire pic.twitter.com/RC0ku0LXIN
— Amy Christianson (@ChristiansonAmy) August 30, 2017
(UPDATE: Aug. 28th @ 8:30 a.m.) - There's some good news coming from the front lines of the Elephant Hill wildfire.
"There is no reported growth of the fire perimeter over the last few days, and the increased area reported is due to mapped growth from earlier in the week," said a Sunday afternoon update from the BC Wildfire Service. "Crews continue to make excellent progress on building containment lines, conducting hose-lay, and mopping-up hot spots."
BC Wildfire Service added that the recent rain was helpful in the short term, the hot and dry weather quickly dried the forest back up.
The latest numbers show the fire at 175,000 hectares and 50% contained, which is an encouraging sign for one of the province's biggest fires ever.
A total of 418 firefighters, 93 pieces of heavy equipment and 17 helicopters remain on the scene to battle the blaze.
(UPDATE: Aug. 23rd @ 1:55 p.m.) - It's been a quiet few days for the Elephant Hill wildfire.
More than 400 firefighters continue to work on the 166,913 hectare fire, which experienced slightly increased fire behaviour on the north flank on Tuesday.
The current measurement is due to a more accurate mapping of the fire, as it was previously estimated to be over 168,000 hectares.
(UPDATE: Aug. 19th @ 11:30 a.m.) - The Elephant Hill wildfire is now estimated at 168, 092 hectares in size.
It is 25% contained and still actively burning.
The fire stayed south of Green Lake and saw limited growth outside the fire perimeter.
There are currently 559 firefighters on the scene, 16 helicopters and 123 heavy equipment operators.
Even with Friday's wind events, the suppression lines and work done by crews were able to hold the fire from growing significantly, according to BC Wildfire Service.
(UPDATE: Aug. 15th @ 8:00 a.m.) - The Elephant Hill wildfire continues to be of great concern for the Province.
The fire is now up to 163,211 hectares in size and shows no signs of slowing down.
"Crews are in the process of trying to get into the areas where the fire expanded over the weekend," said the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service. "However, in order to do that, we are working with BC Hydro to get the lines de-energized and the trees removed off the road in order to access areas impacted by the fire."
An incredible amount of personnel are currently battling the fire, including 613 firefighters, 135 pieces of heavy equipment and 23 helicopters.
The map below shows the how big the fire is as of Saturday, August 12th.
(UPDATE: Aug. 9th @ 9:25 a.m.) - The Elephant Hill wildfire remains one of the biggest concerns for the province.
It is now up to 117,170 hectares as of Tuesday evening and still sits at just 30% contained.
The amount of resources fighting the fire haven't changed over the past few days, with 488 firefighters, 105 pieces of heavy equipment and 22 helicopters still on the job.
The nearly 500 firefighters include the BC Wildfire Service, out of province crews, help from Australia and contract crews.
(UPDATE: Aug. 6th @ 11 a.m.) - The Elephant Hill wildfire remains at 110,236 hectares and 30% containment.
Fire personnel report aggressive fire behaviour on the north east corner in the early evening on Saturday, August 5th.
The fire has not crossed Highway 99 or Highway 1.
There is currently 488 firefighters, 22 helicopters, 105 pieces of heavy equipment, 92 structure protection personnel, and an incident management team.
(UPDATE: Aug. 5th @ 1:50 p.m.) - The Elephant Hill Wildfire is now estimated at 110,236 hectares in size and remains at 30% contained.
Weather and terrain continue to pose the biggest challenge to firefighting efforts. According to Kevin Skrepnek, the majority of the issue is the strong winds they have been experiencing in the area.
Skrepnek reports another day of aggressive fire behaviour due to more extreme weather.
There is over 600 staff working on the fire right now, including 441 firefighters, 22 helicopters, 105 pieces of heavy equipment, 86 support staff, 107 structure protection personnel, and an incident management team.
"We are throwing everything we have at it," said Skrepnek. "But unfortunately the weather, as it has been for the last month, is just simply not in our favour right now."
(UPDATE: August 4th@ 2:30 p.m.) - The Elephant Hill wildfire is BC Wildfire Service's top priority in B.C. right now.
The Elephant Hill wildfire is currently estimated at 93,755 hectares in size with a 30% containment.
According to chief fire information officer, Kevin Skrepnek, the Elephant Hill fire is the top priority for BC Wildfire Service crews right now.
With more than 400 firefighters, 22 helicopters and 105 pieces of heavy equipment on the scene, the fire continues to be attacked by crews.
(UPDATE: Aug. 2nd @ 8:20 a.m.) - The Elephant Hill Wildfire is now estimated at 84,442 hectares in size and is 30% contained.
There are 359 firefighters, 20 helicopters, 62 pieces of heavy equipment, an incident management team, 86 support staff, and 105 structure protection personnel working on the fire.
BC Wildfire and the RCMP are working on identifying the cause of the fire, and have activated a dedicated tip line for information on the fire.
Click here for more information on evacuation orders and alerts for the area.
(UPDATE: July 31st @ 1 p.m.) - The Elephant Hill Wildfire is now estimated at 78,548 hectares in size and is listed at 30% contained.
Due to the recent growth of the fire on the west and north sides, the hectares will likely increase when visibility improves.
Fire behaviour has increased significantly due to the hot and dry conditions.
Crews continue to focus on building fuel breaks to protect property adjacent to the fire. Night crews are working to further protect properties and values.
Crews will continue to remove fuel from the west flank to keep the fire south of the Bonaparte River, and calm aggressive fire behaviour.
(UPDATE: July 28th @ 10:45 a.m.) - The fire has grown and crews will have a better estimate of size once visibility improves.
The Elephant Hill fire remains active and has seen growth on the west and north sides.
The cause remains under investigation.
The warm and dry conditions have increased wildfire activity.
Night crews worked from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on the night of Wednesday, July 27th.
Crews worked to reinforce guard lines to further protect properties.
An infrared heat scan was conducted in the Loon Lake area and Division A to determine where there are still hot spots.
BC Wildfire reminds the public that this fire is still out of control and to keep their distance from the area.
(UPDATE: July 27th @ 9 a.m.) - It's been a few days of good news with regards to the Elephant Hill wildfire, but that changed on Wednesday.
"Un-forecasted easterly winds resulted in a breached containment line with an expansion of the wildfire on the north western flank," reads an updated from the B.C. Wildfire Service.
The estimated size of the fire is up slightly since Wednesday, now sitting at 62,532 hectares.
A complete update on evacuation orders and alerts can be found on the Thompson Nicola Regional District website.
View from our place today #BCwildfire #elephanthill pic.twitter.com/282c5LT7wO
— Teena (@OnlyYou03) July 27, 2017
(UPDATE: July 26th @ 9 a.m.) - Not a lot has changed with the Elephant Hill wildfire of late.
The first now sits at 61,500 hectares and 30% contained, but the small increase in size over the last two days is mostly due to more accurate mapping of the area.
There are now 260 firefighters, 60 pieces of heavy equipment and 17 helicopters fighting the fire, with an incident management team of 59 support staff and 49 structure protection personnel on site as well.
The stability over the past few days is an encouraging sign, but there's still a lot of work to do on this fire.
"Due to challenging weather conditions and unexpected strong easterly winds beginning late on July 25th, the fire continues to experience increased fire behaviour in the upper northwest side of the fire," reads the latest update from the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Some evacuated residents have been allowed to return home and you can find all the latest information on evacuation alerts and orders on the Thompson Nicola Regional District website.
(UPDATE: July 24th @ 4:45 p.m.) - The Elephant Hill Wildfire remains at 59,158 hectare and 30% contained after a positive weekend.
"There has been no significant growth to the Elephant Hill wildfire perimeter in the last 72 hours, and this wildfire is estimated at approximately 59,158 hectares in size," says the update from BC Wildfire. "It is important to note that the changes in size estimates recently has been primarily due to better mapping with improved visibilities as smoke has dissipated."
There are 199 firefighters, 60 pieces of heavy equipment and 14 helicopters battling the fire.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for certain areas, which you can learn more about on the Thompson Nicola Regional District website.
(UPDATE: July 23rd @ 2:30 p.m.) - The Elephant Hill Wildfire is currently burning at 59,158 hectares and is still at 30% contained.
Increased fire activity is expected with the forecast winds this week, and crews are continuing to build guards.
(UPDATE: July 22nd @ 12:15 p.m.) - The fire is still deemed "out of control."
The Elephant Hill fire (formerly known as the Ashcroft Reserve) was recorded at 58,350 hectares in size on Saturday.
It's 30% contained but still out of control.
There are currently 218 firefighters onsite, one incident management team, 57 structure protection personnel, 60 support staff, helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment.
The cooler weather over the last couple of days has helped with the firefighting efforts.
The wildfire is currently showing rank 2 fire behaviour with pockets of rank 3, which is a bit of a lower ranking than its seen the past several days.
(UPDATE: July 20th @ 2:30 p.m.) - The Elephant Hill Wildfire, which began on July 6th as the Ashcroft Reserve Wildfire, has now grown to 56,200 hectares and sits at 30% containment.
"Ground crews and heavy equipment will continue to focus on building fuel breaks in an effort to protect property and values that are adjacent to the fire," read the written update from BC Wildfire Services.
"If conditions permit, crews will continue to perform controlled burning operations to increase containment along the west flank of this fire in the vicinity of Highway 97."
There are less crew members working the fire than on Wednesday, with 218 firefighters, 15 helicopters and 62 heavy equipment operators currently battling the blaze.
(UPDATE: July 19th @ 2:20 p.m.) - It's been 13 days since the Elephant Hill Wildfire, formerly known as the Ashcroft Reserve Wildfire, started and there's finally been some containment.
As of Wednesday at 11 a.m., the fire remains at 52,600 hectares, but is now listed as 30% contained.
"Yesterday's cooler weather resulted in decreased fire behaviour, which allowed crews to advance control lines and containment on the southeast flank," reads an update from the BC Wildfire Service.
There are less firefighters, but more equipment, working on the fire than there was on Tuesday.
The current numbers show 222 firefighters, 52 pieces of heavy equipment and 13 helicopters battling the blaze.
(UPDATE: July 18th @ 3:20 p.m.) - The evacuation order for Electoral Area I west of Ashcroft has been rescinded but is under evacuation alert.
Properties are no longer in immediate danger of fire risk in the area, but the rapidly growing fire continues to pose a threat.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert as identified on the attached map.
(UPDATE: July 18th @ 9:45 a.m.) - The Ashcroft Reserve Wildfire has now been renamed the Elephant Hill Wildfire.
Other than that, not much has changed over the last 24 hours with regards to the numbers.
The latest update from the BC Wildfire Service has the fire listed at 52,600 hectares.
There are still 240 firefighters, 29 pieces of heavy equipment and 13 helicopters battling the fire.
(UPDATE: July 17th @ 9:45 a.m.) - The Ashcroft Wildfire is up to 52,600 hectares as of Monday morning.
Currently, there are 240 firefighters, 29 pieces of heavy equipment and 13 helicopters are fighting the blaze.
You can find information about evacuation orders and alerts in the area by checking the Thompson-Nicola Regional District website.
Information on air quality is also available online at the BC Air Quality website.
(UPDATE: July 16th @ 11 a.m.) -The Ashcroft Wildfire is still at 42,300 hectares in size. Winds in the area have picked up since Friday evening and have significantly affected the firefighting efforts.
Although the size of the fire grew significantly yesterday, BC Wildfire information officer Justine Hunse reports that the growth through the night was not significant.
Currently, there are 236 firefighters, one incident management team, 13 helicopters, 26 pieces of heavy equipment, and 60 out of province crews are assisting BC Wildfire Service crews.
Crews will be working on building and enforcing guards in areas where values are present. Air tankers will continue to be used to assist crews today.
Crews are also working closely with other agencies in order to protect life, property and other critical infrastructure.
(UPDATE: July 16th @ 8:15 a.m.) - The Ashcroft fire has now grown to 42,300 hectares in size. Weather conditions have caused the extreme fire behaviour and growth.
Ground crews and heavy equipment are focusing on building control lines in an effort to protect property and values adjacent to the fire.
Crews worked on burn off operations on Saturday, July 15th and will today if weather conditions permit.
The fire is still active and continues to burn out of control.
(UPDATE: July 15th @ 12 p.m.) - The Ashcroft fire has grown to 14,700 hectares in size.
There are 225 firefighters, one incident management team and 11 helicopters on scene today.
Air tankers continue to assist crews, as well as burn off operations, which will continue as conditions allow.
Wind has become a big factor in the last few days.
Winds started to pick up in the area on Friday, which caused a spike in fire behaviour.
Also on Friday, the fire moved closer to HWY 97, specifically north of the HWY 99 junction.
The public in surrounding communities can expect an increase in smoke and fire activity.
Check the Thompson Nicola Regional District website for information on evacuations.
The #Gustafson wildfire in the smoke bank (middle). #Ashcroft wildfire glowing on the right. #milkyway #bcwildfire #wildfire #bc #can pic.twitter.com/Ie8R18Aqdd
— Andy Witteman (@CNLastro) July 15, 2017
(UPDATE: July 13th @ 8 p.m.) - The Ashcroft fire has now grown to 13,084 hectares.
Included in the total area of the fire is some burning off crews are working on to protect nearby structures.
(UPDATE: July 13th @ 11:20 a.m.) - The Ashcroft Wildfire is up to 11,500 hectares and there are nearly 200 firefighters battling the blaze.
Exact totals show 190 firefighters, nine helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment on scene.
BC Wildfire Service crews have started to conduct controlled burning operations on the fire, which will continue for the next few days.
"Ground crews, and heavy equipment continue to build and enforce guard lines around the fire, with support from helicopters," says the Ashcroft page on BC Wildfire's website. "Yesterday morning, air tankers dropped retardant on the northwest portion of the fire in an effort to help ground crews reinforce these guard lines."
There are evacuation orders in place for Cache Creek and areas to the north, which you can learn more about here.
(UPDATE: July 12th @ 5:40 p.m.) - BC Wildfire Service crews are conducting controlled burnoff operations on the Ashcroft Reserve wildfire. This activity may continue for the next few days.
The objectives are to slow the growth and spread of the fire and to establish a clear and safe perimeter where ground crews can work.
These controlled burns will increase the amount of smoke in the area. Significant smoke columns may be visible over the next several days. Burnoff operations will be supported by aircraft during and following the operation.
As of the afternoon of July 12, the Ashcroft Reserve fire covered about 10,600 hectares. Currently, 190 firefighters are on site with eight pieces of heavy equipment, 9 helicopters, an Incident Management Team and additional support staff.
The public is reminded that the Ashcroft Reserve fire is still classified as "out of control". Prolonged hot and dry conditions may cause changes to the fire's behaviour and smoke patterns, so residents are encouraged to remain vigilant.
(UPDATE: July 12th @ 10:30 a.m.) - The Ashcroft Wildfire has grown to 10,604 hectares as of Wednesday morning, but the growth may not be as big as it seems.
The jump from 7,300 hectares to 10,604 hectares is largely due to a more accurate mapping of the area on Tuesday afternoon.
There are 130 firefighters, nine helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment battling the blaze.
On Tuesday, a pair of rental houses that RCMP members were staying in burned down.
Incident commander, Reg Trapp, spoke to the media on Tuesday, which you can read more about here.
(Thumnail photo taken by Hannah Minnabarriet)
(UPDATE: July 11th @ 9:40 a.m.) - According to the Kamloops Fire Centre, the Ashcroft Wildfire is now up to 7,300 hectares.
It was estimated at 6,150 hectares on Monday morning, but it may not have grown more than 1,000 hectares as the size update is partially due to a more accurate mapping of the area.
An Incident Management Team remains in command of the site that has 130 firefighters, eight helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment fighting the blaze.
Crews from out of province are expected to arrive on Wednesday to aid with the efforts.
The current priority is a fire guard east and west of the blaze to protect properties, highways and a rail line.
Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place, which you can learn more about on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District website.
(UPDATE: July 10th @ 10:35 a.m.) - The Ashcroft Wildfire continues to grow and is now up to 6,150 hectares in size.
The interface fire has impacted structures, but poor visibility in the area has made it impossible to determine the amount of effected structures at this point.
Currently, 120 firefighters are battling the blaze with the assistance of eight helicopters and heavy equipment.
The Ashcroft Fire Department, Cache Creek Fire Department, the RCMP and local authorities have also been supporting crews on this fire.
Smoke is visible from Highways 97 and 99 and there are still road closures in effect for Highways 1 and 97C.
(UPDATE: July 9th @ noon) - The Ashcroft Wildfire is up to an estimated 4,400 hectares and is still listed as out of control.
The Kamloops Fire Centre says that there are 80 firefighters, seven helicopters, heavy equipment, three command staff and other support personnel on site.
An Incident Management Team will be taking command of the fire on Sunday afternoon.
Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place, which you can learn more about on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District website.
(UPDATE: July 9th @ 8:30 a.m.) - As of Saturday night, the Ashcroft Wildfire was estimated at 4,200 HA.
There are currently 20 firefighters, five helicopters, heavy equipment and support personnel on site.
(UPDATE: July 8th @ 3:30 p.m.)
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is holding a meeting at 7 p.m. on Saturday evening at the Thompson Rivers University in the Grand Hall for all evacuees from the TNRD.
Representatives from BC Wildfire, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the TNRD, Interior Health, the Disaster Psychosocial Program and the Red Cross will be in attendance to provide information and support to residents who have been evacuated.
The TNRD is also asking anyone who wishes to donate accommodation or food to evacuees to wait for further information.
The TNRD is grateful for the generous offers, but is still in the process of registering people who have been evacuated.
The fire near Ashcroft has 41 firefighters on site today, including five rotary-wing air crafts, heavy equipment and support personnel.
Smoke is visible from Highway 97C.
It is still estimated at 4000 hectares in size.
A tactical evacuation is underway and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District is coordinating an evacuation order in Cache Creek. Further information on evacuation alerts and orders for the area can be found at the Thompson Nicola Regional District website.
Poor visibility from the smoke is still a factor in being unable to determine the number of structures impacted so far.
(UPDATE: July 8th @ 9:45 a.m.) - More firefighters are en route.
Fire fighters worked late into the night and are continuing to add more crews this morning to Ashcroft and Cache Creek.
The fire is now an estimated 4000 hectares in size.
Buildings have been lost and other structures are still at risk.
The Ashcroft Fire Department, Cache Creek Fire Department, RCMP, and local authorities are supporting BC Wildfire Services on this fire.
According to the Kamloops Fire Centre, the big challenge is suppression efforts.
With the large amounts of smoke filling the air, poor visibility is making it difficult to assess what areas need the most suppression.
Operation staff are working on assessing the most-needed suppression areas this morning.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is asking anyone who wants to help in anyway, to call them at 250-377-8673.
You can also send them a message on their Facebook page.
With extreme fire conditions and the campfire ban that was issued on Friday, the Kamloops Fire Centre is urging people to adhere to the campfire ban.
"The last thing we need right now is more fires," said a spokesperson for the Kamloops Fire Centre.
(UPDATE: July 8th @ 8:45 a.m.) - The wildfire at the Ashcroft Reserve has grown to 3900 hectares in size.
The Ashcroft wildfire was last estimated at 3900 hectares in size and is believed to be human caused.
Due to poor visibility it was difficult to determine the amount of damage caused to structures overnight.
The Ashcroft Fire Department, Cache Creek Fire Department and 48 Wildfire BC Service firefighters were onsite fighting the blaze.
Smoke was visible from Highway 97C.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Visit DriveBC for road closures.
(UPDATE: July 7th @ 7 p.m.) - The Ashcroft Hospital and Health Centre has been temporarily closed due to the wildfires in the area.
This measure is to ensure the safety of all individuals due to limited staffing levels and power, both affected by fire activity.
This closure includes the Emergency Department and you're suggested to visit Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, or the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre in Merritt.
Additionally, residential care clients at Jackson House and assisted living clients at Thompson View Lodge are being relocated to Merritt.
Interior Health is in the process of contacting family members.
(UPDATE: July 7th @ 6 p.m.) - An Evacuation Order has been issued for the Village of Cache Creek.
Mayor John Ranta has issued an Evacuation Order for everyone in the Village of Cache Creek.
What started as an Evacuation Order for a number of select properties has now grown to the entire village being at risk and required to evacuate.
If you are in the area, you must leave immediately and report to ESS Reception Centre in Kamloops B.C. (details listed below).
(UPDATE: July 7th @ 5:30 p.m.) - Cache Creek declares of State of local Emergency.
The village of Cache Creek has declared a State of Local Emergency in response to the rapidly growing, out of control fire in Ashcroft.
The State of Local Emergency was declared because there is an imminent threat to health, safety and welfare of people and property nearby.
An Evacuation Order was also issued for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Kamloops.
Please refrain from using Hwy 97 Kamloops and Cache Creek unless related to an emergency. This will assist emergency vehicles 1/2
— BCRCMP (@BCRCMP) July 8, 2017
If you are in the described area, you must leave immediately and report to the Emergency Social Services (ESS) Reception Centre at McArthur Island Sports Lounge at 1665 Island Parkway in Kamloops.
Evacuees should also turn off the power and propane to their residences.
(UPDATE: July 7th @ 4:30 p.m.) - The Ashcroft fire continues to grow significantly on Friday afternoon.
According to the Kamloops Fire Centre, the wildfire has grown to an estimated 700 hectares in size and is a rapidly developing situation.
The fire is partially within the Ashcroft Indian Reserve boundaries near several communities at this time.
Tactical evacuations have been undertaken but the number is unknown.
There have been structures damaged, but the details are unknown, as the situation continues to unfold.
The last update stated that 48 fire fighters were onsite with air crafts and heavy equipment to fight the blaze.
(Original Story (July 7th @ 1:30 p.m.) - An out of control wildfire burning two kilometres southwest of Ashcroft has forced the closure of multiple highways.
#Ashcroft fire pic.twitter.com/76At3zLzk4
— coquihalla warrior. (@theofaber) July 7, 2017
"The BC Wildfire Service today is continuing to respond to a wildfire that's approximately two kilometres southwest of the village of Ashcroft," explained Justine Hunse from the Kamloops Fire Centre. "The fire is currently estimated at 50 hectares in size and is out of control at this time."
@drivebc HWY97 from Cache Creek to #ashcroft barricaded closed. We turned onto HWY1 via Kamloops, thick smoke of #ashcroftfire behind us pic.twitter.com/5iY31rXUeT
— Jennifer Vance (@vancejennifer) July 7, 2017
Firefighters have been battling the blaze since it was only two-hectares on Thursday, but now additional crews, equipment and aircraft are en route.
It is an interface fire, meaning that structures have been impacted and tactical evacuations are underway.
Ashcroft fire pic.twitter.com/QxPfEg5kp4
— coquihalla warrior. (@theofaber) July 7, 2017
As a result of the fire, both Highway 1 and Highway 97C have been closed in both directions between Ashcroft and Cache Creek, which is a nearly 10 kilometre stretch of road.
With the uncertainty surrounding the fire, there is no estimated time of reopening and it's unlikely that it'll happen soon.
UPDATE - #BCHwy1 #BCHwy97C #BCHwy8 #BCHwy97 heading into #AshcroftBC are CLOSED due to fires. Plan alternate routehttps://t.co/gpnDQ1IEpz
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) July 7, 2017
A cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but fire origin and cause personnel are on their way to investigate.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available, including the exact number of firefighters, aircraft and other equipment on scene.
