TUMBLER RIDGE — A wildfire near Tumbler Ridge has forced the evacuation of the entire district.
The BC Wildfire Service says the West Kiskatinaw River wildfire poses a threat to human life.
A posting to their website reads as follows:
Anyone in the evacuation order area must leave immediately and report to the reception centre in Dawson Creek at the Ovintiv Events Centre.
Evacuate via Highway 29 or Highway 52 east/boundary to Dawson Creek.
If you are unable to evacuate, call 9-1-1.
Information Officer Forrest Tower says the fire, which was lightning caused on Tuesday, spread from 10 hectares to 1,500 hectares in less than an hour when first reported.
It’s now estimated at over 9,600 hectares in size due to tinder dry conditions and high winds.
The evacuation order has affected 2,500 to 3,000 residents.
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Twitter: @GFry_CKPG
Email: Greg.Fry@Pattisonmedia.com
