An early season wildfire burning near Ashcroft, B.C., has prompted the Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation to issue an evacuation alert for members living on the Pavilion Reserve #1.
The South East Skwish Creek was discovered burning about 43 km northwest of Ashcroft on Tuesday. It was first estimated at 20 hectares in size and was classified as out of control.
On Wednesday, though, it was resized to 28 hectares and was deemed to be held.
The evacuation alert is available online.
The BC Wildfire Service said it responded with ground and air crews, and that smoke was visible in surrounding communities and from Highway 99.
The fire is believed to be human-caused.
Residents of the reserve were being warned to pack up essential items and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
In related news, a travel advisory for wildfire smoke has been issued for the area, between Industrial Place and the end of Highway 99 (a distance of 75 km) due to limited visibility. Motorists are cautioned to drive with care.
As of Tuesday, the wildfire service was tracking 35 active fires, though just four were classified as “out of control.”