Image Credit: Twitter / BC Wildfire Service

By James Peters

Sparks Lake Wildfire

UPDATE: Sparks Lake wildfire at 20,000 hectares; 160+ properties evacuated

Jun 30, 2021 | 5:25 PM

KAMLOOPS — UPDATE (10:00 p.m.): The B.C. Wildfire Service has now listed the size of the Sparks Lake wildfire at 20,000 hectares.

EARLIER: The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has issued an evacuation order for 136 more properties near the roaring Sparks Lake wildfire.

In a news release, the TNRD says the fire is threatening structures and the safety of residents in the area.

The 136 properties are in the following areas, and as shown in the map below:

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5472 to 5993 3400 Rd;
5293 and 5675 342 Rd;
5848 Clinton-Loon Lake Forest Service Rd;
7888 and 8396 Clinton-Upper Loon Lake Forest Service Rd;
3328 to 3988 Copper Creek Rd;
6385 Deadman-Cache Creek Rd;
3653 to 5265 Deadman-Vidette Rd;
7824 to 10020 Deadman-Vidette Rd;
3401 to 3433 McBride Rd;
3385 to 3493 Red Lake Dr;
3453 to 3473 Strom Pl;
4595 to 8660 Tranquille Criss Creek Rd
Image Credit: TNRD

In total, 163 properties have been evacuated.

Evacuees are asked to check in with the TNRD at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre in Kamloops. Emergency Support Services will only be provided for those whose primary residences are under evacuation order.

At last update, the fire had reached 4,000 hectares, fanned by extreme heat and wind.

by James Peters