By Vanessa Ybarra

Lightning strikes Cariboo Chilcotin region, numerous properties evacuated

Aug 13, 2017 | 9:12 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — The Cariboo Regional District issued a number of evacuation orders Saturday night.

The orders were made due to the Hanceville-Riske Creek fire growing in size as well new fires sparking up in the area from thunder and lighting.

Evacuation orders include:

• north of Highway 20 to south of Tzenzaicut Lake
• Highway 20 from West of Hanceville to Riske Creek Area
• Canim Lake area – Bates Road to Mahood Lake Road
• Alexis Creek to Riske Creek

Evacuees were being told to go to the Emergency Social Services Centre at either 100 Mile House, Kamloops, or Prince George.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: The NDP's mishandling of drug use in B.C. hospitals

3h ago

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Who would survive if we had a recall law for City councils?

13h ago

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Strengthening our wildfire training

Apr 17, 2024

The District says the Hanceville-Riske Creek fire is more than 179-thousand hectares and is exhibiting aggressive Rank 5 and Rank 6 fire behaviour that’s being driven by strong winds.

It’s 25 percent contained.

The Cariboo Regional District also issued an evacuation alert for the following areas Saturday night:

• Chilanko Forks Area
• Riske Creek to Fraser River
•  Alexis Creek to east of Hanceville Area

Highway 20 is closed in both directions from the Fraser River to the Alex Graham-600 Road due to wildfires until further notice.

The Farewell Canyon Road is also closed.