By Canadian Press

Evacuation orders, alerts extended as wildfires burn in the Cariboo-Chilcotin

Sep 5, 2025 | 8:45 PM

Wildfires burning in the B.C. Interior have prompted local officials to issue a new set of evacuation orders.

The Ulkatcho First Nation and the Cariboo Regional District issued the orders for areas around Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake and Charlotte Lake due to the threat of two encroaching wildfires.

A state of local emergency was also in effect across the Cariboo Regional District as the Beef Trail Creek wildfire had grown to more than 100 square kilometres, while the Dusty Lake fire spanned 53 square kilometres.

Evacuees were told to head east along Highway 20 to the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in Williams Lake, more than 300 kilometres away from Anahim Lake. A travel advisory is also in effect for a section of Highway 20 from Anahim Lake west to Bella Coola due to limited visibility from wildfire smoke.

The Tsilhqot’in Nation and the Cariboo Regional District also issued an evacuation alert for the Tatla Area North and South area Friday evening because of the 3.8 square kilometre Taccatolie Creek wildfire, which is burning along Highway 20.

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The BC Wildfire Service has said an incoming weather system was expected to bring little rain but an increased chance of lightning and gusty winds, raising the fire risk.

It said in Friday’s provincial situation report that wildfire smoke was expected to hang around for the next 48 hours until an upper low moves in from the Pacific.

The lingering smoke may temporarily affect the safe operation of firefighting aircraft, the service added.

“Smoke alters local weather patterns by acting much like cloud cover, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground and helping humidity levels to remain a little higher. Wind speed and direction are also affected by smoke.”

A special air quality statement remained in effect for most of B.C., with the exception of Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert and the northwestern corner of the province.

“Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough,” the weather office said in its bulletin.

There were about 140 active wildfires across B.C., with more than 50 classified as burning out of control.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 5, 2025.

– With files from CFJC Today