Authorities have evacuated three trailer parks in Armstrong, B.C., as a large fire rages at a nearby sawmill.
The fire began in a sawdust pile outside the mill, owned by Tolko Industries Ltd., at around 3 p.m. Sunday. So far, it has not reached the mill itself.
In Pictures: B.C. sawmill fire
RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk told ctvbc.ca that the trailer parks were evacuated due to health concerns about the heavy smoke billowing from the blaze and not because the fire is encroaching on the parks.
About 130 homes have been evacuated. Witnesses say residents were given 15 minutes to gather their belongings and leave.
The livestock at a nearby cattle auction have been moved as well, Moskaluk said.
Firefighters from several communities, including Enderby, Vernon, and Swan Lake, are working to contain the blaze with help from helicopters and air tankers.
Police are advising motorists to avoid Highway 97A in both directions from Vernon to Armstrong until the situation calms down.
Watch CTV News at 11:30 for more on this developing story
