TNRD expands evacuation response to Fiftynine Creek wildfire

Meanwhile, the expanded Alert covers 105 addressed properties in Electoral Area “E.” The updated Alert now also covers:

5930 – 6800 Big Bar Road
10780 – 10843 Jesmond Road

“This Evacuation Alert is in place to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an Evacuation Order; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions,” said the TNRD.

The Village of Clinton is also under its own Evacuation Alert.

The Fiftynine Creek wildfire has grown to 10,864.2 hectares (about 108.6 square kilometres) since it was sparked by a lightning strike on July 17.

As of Thursday (July 23) morning, the TNRD said at least a dozen properties have been engulfed by the flames.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said battling the fire has been challenging due to local weather conditions.

“There is a potential for thunderstorm activity today (July 23) that may bring gusty and erratic winds. Fuels remain heavily impacted by drought throughout the area and are highly susceptible to increased fire behaviour with high temperatures and lower relative humidity,” said the BCWS.

“Crews will continue to be challenged by hot and dry conditions on this fire. We anticipate further fire growth and an increase in fire activity throughout the day. More smoke is likely to be observed in the following days, particularly in the afternoon and evening periods. “

The BCWS has 83 structure protection resources assigned to the Big Bar Complex.

“Structure protection triage and deployment continues on properties northwest of Big Bar Lake and along the Big Bar Road corridor. A small structure protection task force is working night shift to patrol around the structures on this incident,” said the BCWS.

The BCWS has an Incident Management Team, 65 firefighters, 15 helicopters and heavy equipment responding to the Big Bar Complex.

(Image Credit: Thompson-Nicola Regional District)

by Elora McCormack

TNRD expands evacuation response to Fiftynine Creek wildfire

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