WATCH: More than 230 wildfires are burning across the province, with 67 new fires sparked Friday- but the biggest concern is the growing Puntzi Lake fire in the Cariboo. Jordan Armstrong reports.
UPDATE: 3 p.m., Friday, July 24) – Effective immediately, residents from the Puntzi Lake area that were under Evacuation Order can return to their homes. The Evacuation Alert area will be reassessed on Monday, July 27, 2015.
UPDATE (7:30 p.m., Sunday) – A number of properties on the south shore of Puntzi Lake, including the Kokanee Bay Resort, were lifted from the Evacuation Order on Monday. They will still be on Evacuation Alert, along with some new properties to the east Puntzi Lake.
Several properties have been destroyed by the flames, including a hunting and fishing lodge, two permanent homes and one seasonal residence.
WATCH: More chopper footage from the devastation wrought by the Puntzi Lake fire
An emergency centre has been established at the Cariboo Regional District offices, located in Williams Lake at 180 D North Third Avenue. In addition, a public information phone line has been set up at 250-398-5117.
PHOTOS: Shots from above of the Puntzi Lake fire (all photos from the Cariboo Regional District)
-with files from Canadian Press