Editor’s note: The K70910 and K70913 wildfires are now being treated as one wildfire. Find the latest details (as of July 18) about the newly named Shetland Creek wildfire by visiting this link.
A wildfire burning in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District has prompted an evacuation order from a local First Nations.
The Cook’s Ferry Indian Band issued an evacuation order for their reserve #6 – Nicoelton Tuesday morning due to the “imminent danger.”
The order lists wildfire K70910, which is burning around 7.5 kilometres north of Spences Bridge, has grown to 285 hectares.
That is up significantly from the estimated 50 hectares reported by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) on Monday.
It also lists nearby wildfire K70913, which is burning 5.5 km north of Spences Bridge and is estimated at 249 hectares.
Fire behaviour on wildfires K70913 and K70910 between Spences Bridge and Ashcroft has increased this afternoon. On wildfire K70913, rank 4 fire behaviour is being observed. On wildfire K70910, rank 3 fire behaviour with some rank 4 is being observed. pic.twitter.com/gcgxxsFopp
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 16, 2024
Other reserves in the area, including IR #5, 5A and 19 are currently on an evacuation alert.
Reserve lands closer to Spences Bridge are currently “okay,” the First Nation says.
According to an update from the BCWS posted shortly before 2:30 pm, the lightning-caused wildfires continue to burn out of control.
Both wildfires are receiving”modified” responses from the BCWS, which means they are being managed “using a combination of techniques” with the goal of minimizing costs and damage while maximizing “ecological benefits.”
There are four helicopters responding to both wildfires.
