Evacuation orders and alerts expand as out of control wildfire grows northwest of Kamloops
Hundreds of residents northwest of Kamloops, B.C., have been asked to be ready to leave their homes at a moment's notice due to the Sparks Lake wildfire, which has grown to an estimated 40 square kilometres since Monday.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued new evacuation alerts Wednesday afternoon for 298 properties in the Loon Lake and Hiham Lake areas.
That was on top of 150 properties already impacted in the Deadman, Red Lake, Tranquille Valley & and Vidette Lake areas.
More than 25 properties near Red Lake have been ordered to evacuate, up from nine on Tuesday.
And as of Wednesday afternoon, 56 firefighters and 10 helicopters were fighting the flames.
“It’s still out of control, and due to the hot and dry weather that we’re seeing right now, we’re seeing increased fire behaviour,” said fire information officer Shaelee Stearns with the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Marshall Potts and his partner, Jo-Anne Beharrell, left their ranch Tuesday afternoon, photo albums and Potts’ favourite guitars in hand.
“It’s not just about your home or your belongings,” Beharrell said. “It’s about what you do for your life. And your livelihood. It’s a little overwhelming.”
Potts said he was emotionally and mentally exhausted, and hopes sharing his story helps people realize how easy it is for wildfires to spark, and how quickly they can spread.
Potts and Beharrell, who had registered as evacuees in Kamloops, were planning to try to drive up the mountain Wednesday evening if they could, to see if it was still standing.
“Our intentions are to go back as soon as they let us,” Potts said. “Because we want to do a health check on the (cows and chickens) and make sure they’re OK.”
The Sparks Lake wildfire, which is believed to be human-caused, is one of five so-called wildfires of note burning in the province. It’s a list that’s quickly growing.
“The increased temperatures and the heat wave that we’re seeing is definitely drying out those deeper fuels,” Stearns said
While Potts and Beharrell say they are extremely grateful for the firefighters battling to save their home in extreme conditions, they also have a message to people who may not dispose of their cigarettes properly, or don’t abide by the provincial-wide campfire ban now in effect.
“It might just be your summer home…but there’s a lot of people that live in these places full time,” Beharrel said.
“A mistake can be be a ripple effect,” Potts added. “It can take peoples livelihoods away.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.