File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Embleton Mountain Fire

TNRD evacuates seven properties near Heffley Lake as Embleton Mountain fire shifts south

Jul 19, 2021 | 11:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — The B.C. Wildfire Service says an unexpected wind shift has played havoc with the Embleton Mountain wildfire near Whitecroft, leading to another evacuation.

Late Monday night (July 19), the Thompson-Nicola Regional District ordered the evacuation of seven properties just east of Heffley Lake.

• 2720 Heffley-Louis Creek Rd;
• 2765 Heffley-Louis Creek Rd;
• 2789 Heffley-Louis Creek Rd;
• 2810 Heffley-Louis Creek Rd;
• 2817 Heffley-Louis Creek Rd;
• 2845 Heffley-Louis Creek Rd;
• 6225 Lake Bay Rd; and
• any other properties within the red boundary on the map below:
  Image Credit: TNRD

This order follows the July 10 evacuation of more than 130 properties in the area, including the village of Whitecroft.

Evacuees are asked the register for Emergency Support Services, either at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre in Kamloops or online.

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There is no lodging available in Kamloops. Evacuees who cannot stay with friends and family are asked to arrange lodging with the ESS centre at McArthur Island Tuesday (July 20).

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the Embleton Mountain fire is still listed at 604 hectares, but notes a significant and unexpected shift in winds Monday resulted in the fire moving to the south. BCWS responded by sending two, 20-person unit crews, helicopters and air tankers to the scene to help contain “excursions that have breached the guard.” The change in fire behaviour also meant crews were not able to work on expanding hand guards planned for areas where heavy equipment is unable to work.