UPDATE: Stumbles Creek and Shetland Creek Wildfires continue to expand

The Stumbles Creek Wildfire, just northwest of Merritt appears to be gaining momentum.

The blaze near Craigmont Mines that was discovered on Tuesday is now at five-hectares  in size. The cause of the out-of-control fire is believed to be lightning.

The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that as of this afternoon (July 24) that 430 wildfires rage in the province including 258 (60 percent) determined as out of control.

The agency also notes that currently 20 evacuation orders throughout the province with another 28 evacuation alerts being issued meaning that residents should be evacuate at a moments notice.

The out-of-control Shetland Creek Wildfire near Spences Bridge continues to grow, now sitting at 22,476.6 hectares. The wildfire of note has forced the evacuation of hundreds from their properties near Ashcroft, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band and Logan Lake while evacuation alerts remain in effect for areas in Lytton and Cache Creek.