Photo courtesy: BC Wildfire Service

By CKPG Today

Wildfire

Update: Nazko First Nation issues evacuation alert due to Snaking River fire

Jul 31, 2025 | 10:31 PM

QUESNEL —Update: The Cariboo Regional District and the Nazko First Nation have issued an evacuation alert for 190 properties due to the Snaking River fire.

This expanded alert replaces the Snaking River Fire alert issued by the CRD on August 1. The out-of-control wildfire has grown to over 1,100 hectares in size. It is 65 kilometres west of Quesnel and is producing smoke that is visible from Quesnel, Highway 97 and surrounding communities.

The BC Wildfire Service says ground crews, aviation resources, heavy equipment and structure protection personnel and trailers remain actively engaged in suppression efforts.

“One of the main operational objectives is to anchor off the northern flank, where heavy equipment continues to establish a fuel-free guard and is working progressively south along the eastern and western flanks. Efforts are focused on preventing spread to the southwest and west and limit the fire growth by tying control lines into natural features such as cutblocks and meadows. Good progress has been made, with approximately 50% of these objectives completed.

“A contingency line is being constructed from the Nazko Road south towards the 5900 road, utilizing natural features to tie into and extending east/northeast towards to the Snaking River Forest Service Road,” says the BC Wildfire Service.

7th Annual Miracle on Third a big Success

7th Annual Miracle on Third a big Success

2h ago

Cottonwood Island Park

Fish no longer left high and dry, channel gets a lifesaving makeover

3h ago

Taxes

City councillor proposes cutting snow removal budget to help lower tax rate

6h ago

On Monday, the Wildfire Service said that ground crews would continue efforts to setup water delivery systems and conduct mop up operations to advance suppression efforts along the western and eastern flank while continuing to progress south. The goal of those efforts is to further secure the perimeter of the fire and prevent growth outside of control lines.

“Initial assessments and planning for a planned ignition is underway for the southwestern and southeastern flank of the fire. This will remove unburnt fuels between the fire’s edge and established control lines. Removing available fuel is a key strategy in wildfire suppression. By doing so, we reduce the risk of uncontrolled fire growth and carry out suppression efforts under more suitable and controlled conditions, improving both efficiency and effectiveness.

“Structure protection personnel are supporting operations by assessing and setting up fire suppression equipment.”

Map courtesy: CRD

Update: The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) says 71 parcels in the Snaking River Fire area are now under evacuation alert.

The CRD says this alert replaces the Harrington Road area – Snaking River Fire alert issued Thursday night (July 31).

Map courtesy: CRD

Earlier: The BC Wildfire Service has discovered a lightning-caused out-of-control wildfire 65 kilometres west of Quesnel.

The Snaking River wildfire was discovered on Thursday (July 31) and is 2.6 kilometres east of Snaking River.

“It is producing smoke that is visible from Quesnel, Highway 97 and surrounding communities,” says the Wildfire Service.

In response, the Cariboo Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for one parcel in the Harrington Road area. This alert covers 755 hectares.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT
Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for the evacuation order:

• Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.
• Make grab-and-go bags for each member of your household to keep essential items readily available for a quick departure. Pack clothing, ready-to-eat food, toiletries, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.).
• Ensure that any dependents or pets are prepared for departure. Gather comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals, etc.) for your dependents to make an evacuation less stressful. Gather any kennels or leashes to make transportation safe with your pets.
• Move pets and livestock to a safe area if they cannot be evacuated. Ensure water and feed are available.
• Keep the fuel tanks of personal vehicles full in case a new order is issued.
• Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. An Evacuee Reception Centre will be made available if required. Homeowner or tenant insurance may provide greater support than ESS will be able to.
• Monitor reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres and the CRD’s channels on Facebook and cariboord.ca.
• If you are on an evacuation ALERT, or if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for Emergency Support Services. You will need to sign up for the BC Services Card app to access the self-registration tool, which will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process. https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

Further information will be issued as it becomes available. Please visit the CRD Emergency Operations Facebook as well as the CRD website at cariboord.ca/EOC. For more information contact the CRD’s emergency information at 1-866-759-4977 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily).

Map courtesy: CRD