More than 1,500 properties in Cariboo region evacuated due to wildfire

100 MILE HOUSE (NEWS 1130) — More than 1,500 properties in B.C.’s Cariboo region have been placed on evacuation order as wildfires rage across the province.

The orders from the Cariboo Regional District cover 1072 properties south of 100 Mile House and 482 properties in the Canim Lake area.

“Due to immediate danger to life and safety due to fire, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action,” says the order.

“You must leave the area immediately.”

Evacuees are being told to gather their loved ones, pets, critical documents, and to limit the number of vehicles used per household.

“We are asking everyone to gather necessary items and head immediately to the evacuation route closest to your residence. Please follow directions from officers and other emergency personnel who are assisting in the evacuation of impacted areas. Drive safely as roadways may be obstructed by smoke,” says a statement from Sgt. Svend Nielsen with the 100 Mile House RCMP.

RELATED: BC Wildfire Service predicts ‘extreme risk, heightened activity’ for July

The District of 100 Mile House, roughly 200 kilometres north of Kamloops, has been placed under an evacuation alert, which means residents have been told they may have to leave their homes with little notice.

According to the BC Wildifre Service, there are seven active wildfires in the region. The largest is the Purdy Lake fire which has grown to 5,000 hectares and was sparked by lightning on July 5.

It comes as much of central and eastern British Columbia is under a special weather bulletin warning of smoky skies.

Environment Canada issued the special air quality statement warning about the smoke for the next few days in areas stretching from the Interior of B.C. to Yukon and the Alberta boundary.

Wildfires have also forced closures of major highways in the province, including Highway 97 north of 70 Mile House and Highway 20 in the Anahim Lake region.

More than 1,760 square kilometres of land has burned since the wildfire season started on April 1. The wildfire service said in a statement that more than 98 per cent of that area is from wildfires that crews are currently battling.

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