The wildfire burning out of control in Hope, B.C., has now grown to 459 hectares as of Sunday night.
It is a large expansion from the 271 hectares reported late Saturday night.
According to BC Wildfire Service officials, the fire has grown due to “hot, dry conditions and gusty winds.”
The service is warning that increased fire behaviour is expected on Sunday, as well.
The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an evacuation order for parts of Laidlaw in Electoral Area B.
Residents are asked to leave the area immediately.
If anyone cannot self-transport and all neighbours have left the area, the Fraser Valley Regional District says to call officials for help at 778-704-0400 or 911.
The wildfire has also shut down a portion of Highway 1 in Hope, with a full eastbound closure.
All eastbound traffic is detoured to Highway 9 and Highway 7. DriveBC said its next update will be around 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Drivers that are passing by the fire are being urged to drive slow with caution and pay attention to signage along roadways.
“Wildfire crews will protect identified values and support necessary strategies and tactics with a focus on the North flank at low elevations of the fire near the Highway 1 using a water delivery system,” BC Wildfire Service staff said, in an update.
“Structure protection and crews are also actively working along the Hunter Creek rest stop.
“Values at Risk include residences and infrastructure within District of Hope, Highway 1, Trans Mountain Pipeline, and Hunter Creek Hydro Project.”
Currently, there are 54 firefighters and six helicopters battling the growing fire.
Comments