By James Peters

Spences Bridge placed on evacuation alert due to nearby wildfire

Jul 23, 2018 | 7:52 PM

SPENCES BRIDGE, B.C. — Note: This story has been updated here.

UPDATE: 5:00 AM- The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has rescinded the evacuation orders for three properties along the Trans Canada Highway.

The properties, and the rest of Spences Bridge however,  remain under an evacuation alert.

The fire broke out yesterday afternoon between the northbound lane of the Trans Canada highway and the railway line below, on the bank of the Thompson River, but spread quickly and jumped the highway. 

Last night, the fire was estimated at 80 hectares. 

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Gusty winds fanned the flames, creating problems for initial attack crews. 

The highway was closed in both directions shortly after the fire was spotted Monday afternoon, but has since reopened to single lane alternating traffic controlled by a pilot car. You can expect delays, and the highway could be closed again at any time, especially if air tankers are in operation in the area. 

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 LAST NIGHT-   The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has rescinded the evacuation orders for three properties along the Trans Canada Highway.

The properties — and the rest of Spences Bridge — remain under an evacuation order.

——

EARLIER: Three properties have been evacuated and the entire community of Spences Bridge has been put on alert after a wildfire sprang up just north of the community Monday afternoon.

Residents of three addresses along the Trans Canada Highway have been told to leave immediately.

An evacuation alert has been issued for dozens of other properties in the Spences Bridge area, meaning residents must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

For details on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s directives, click here (evacuation order) and here (evacuation alert).

As of Monday evening, the BC Wildfire Service listed the fire as 40 hectares in size.

However, strong winds were blowing the blaze, rapidly growing the fire size.

The fire began between the northbound lane of the Trans Canada and the rail line below, on the bank of the Thompson River.

The highway was closed in both directions shortly after the fire was spotted Monday afternoon, but photos from the scene show the blaze has jumped the highway.