Bonanza Creek wildfire grows to 4,000 ha., triggers evacuation order and alerts

Further south, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) issued an evacuation order for portions of Electoral Area A. The order includes properties northwest, north and northeast of Tyaughton Lake Road – including Mud Lake Road – along with areas within South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park, including Spruce Lake and other recreation sites, and other areas outlined in its attached map.

(Image Credit: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District)

Residents within the SLRD’s evacuation order area are told to travel to Lillooet via Lillooet-Pioneer Road (Highway 40) or Pemberton via Hurley River Forest Service Road. Residents can register for Emergency Support Services here.

Meantime, an evacuation alert issued by the SLRD is in effect for areas of Gold Bridge north of the Bridge River, west of Jones Creek, north of Carpenter Lake and north of Downton Lake, along with all other SLRD properties as outlined in the attached map.

The wildfire service says the Bonanza Creek wildfire is burning upslope in steep terrain. The fire is showing Rank 3 fire behaviour with pockets of Rank 4, meaning it’s a moderately to highly vigorous surface fire with some torching and passive crown fire.

“More smoke is likely to be observed in the following days, particularly in the afternoon and evening periods, as winds increase, smoke clears and warm, dry conditions continue,” the wildfire service states. “Firefighters are focusing their direct attack efforts along accessible flanks where objectives remain achievable. Should fire activity and behavior be deemed too unsafe for our crews, crews will be pulled from the fire line and redeployed only when conditions are safe.

“Where objectives remain achievable, the helicopter will be used to bucket water to support crews and will transport personnel and gear.”

As of Wednesday, 17 fighters and one helicopter were responding to the Bonanza Creek wildfire. They’re being supported by heavy equipment.

Elsewhere, the SLRD issued an evacuation alert for multiple properties in the Texas Creek area in Electoral Area B, south of Lillooet, due to the Riley Creek wildfire.

(Image Credit: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District)

The Riley Creek wildfire was discovered on June 24 and is currently measured at around 100 hectares in size. It’s suspected to be caused by lightning.

“We are aware of increased fire activity this evening on the Riley Creek wildfire,” the wildfire service says in an update Wednesday night. “It continues to burn in very steep and rocky terrain that poses a safety risk for responders. Personnel will be monitoring the fire overnight, where it is safe to do so.”

Riley Creek wildfire on July 22. (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

While residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an evacuation, the SLRD says they may receive limited notice due to rapidly changing conditions.

by Aaron Schulze

Bonanza Creek wildfire grows to 4,000 ha., triggers evacuation order and alerts

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