Evacuation orders issued for Venables Valley, more Cook’s Ferry reserves due to growing Spences Bridge-area fire

The Thompson Nicola Regional District has issued its first major wildfire-related evacuation orders and alerts of the 2024 wildfire season, thanks to a roaring fire north of Spences Bridge.

The Shetland Creek fire is still listed at 285 hectares by the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), but witnesses reported major fire activity throughout the day and into the evening Wednesday (July 17).

The evacuation order, issued by TNRD Chair Barbara Roden Wednesday evening, covers 76 properties in Venables Valley, as shown in the below  map.

Affected residents must leave immediately. Residents should register with Emergency Support Services by going to this website or going to the Cache Creek Community Hall.

Meantime, Chief Christine Walkem says the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band is evacuating reserves 5, 6, 8a, 19 Firstly and 22. Evacuees can register with ESS using the same process.

The TNRD evacuation alert includes all properties along the Trans Canada Highway north of Spences Bridge, up to but not including the Ashcroft Ranch. A total of 25 properties are included.

The situation is a stark escalation from earlier in the day, when officials said no properties were at risk.