In the clear for now, Merritt stands ready for further evacuation alerts

The TNRD has 110 properties west of Merritt under an evacuation alert because of the 17,298.5-hectare blaze (about 173 square kilometres) in the Fraser Canyon.

The updated area includes the original Evacuation Alert of 61 properties in areas west of Spius Creek, including Petit Creek and Prospect Creek FSR and an additional 49 properties.

“The evacuation alert for areas west of Canford has been in place since July 8. The new evacuation alert issued by the BCWS for areas south of that Coutlee Plateau and southwest of Merritt is new,” said Hart.

“There have been evacuation alerts outside of Merritt for some time now.”

While there is no immediate danger to Merritt itself, Hart said the municipality is ready in case the situation changes.

“We have our [EOC] active and we have very thorough planning for all different kinds of emergency scenarios that is ready to go, and making sure we have good lines of communication with our partners and neighbors,” said Hart.

There is still an air quality warning issued in Merritt for now, but Hart said it has reduced from orange to yellow.

“The smoke in Merritt has somewhat cleared out for the moment. Helicopters haven’t been flying because there’s so much smoke in the air, but they’re back flying again and we really appreciate seeing that,” said Hart.

“I think everyone in the community is really grateful to see the BC Wildfire Service and appreciates their efforts fighting the fires. They currently have a camp at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds.”