Ainslie Creek wildfire prompts evacuation orders near Merritt

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has issued an Evacuation Order on more than 60 properties in response to the growing Ainslie Creek wildfire.

TNRD officials said the Oder is in effect for 61 addressed properties in Electoral Areas “I” (Blue Sky Country) and “N” (Beautiful Nicola Valley – South). The Order covers the following properties:

• All addressed properties West of Spius Creek including Petit Creek Road and Prospect Creek Forest Service Road
• 2145 to 2500 Cleasby Road
• 3141 to 3700 Cummings Road
• 3725 to 3816 Davidson Road
• 3425 to 3455 D’Easum Road
• 3605 and 3685 Jack Swartz Forest Service Road
• 2728 to 3901 Petit Creek Road
• 3020 to 4024 Prospect Creek Forest Service Road
• All properties highlighted in this map.

“If you are in the described area, you must leave immediately. A person must not enter the Evacuation Order area for purposes of residing, occupying, or visiting the area,” said the TNRD.

Meanwhile, the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) has issued an Evacuation Alert in response to the out of control fires in the Brunswick Complex.

The LNIB said the alert is in effect for properties on the Speous IR No. 8, Pipsuel IR No. 3, and Nicola Mameet IR No. 1 areas. You can see a list of of the impacted properties below.

“Residents in the affected areas are being asked to prepare for a possible evacuation should conditions worsen,” said the LNIB

Residents in the area are urged to take the following steps:

• Gather essential items, medications, identification, and important documents.
• Make arrangements for family members, pets, livestock, and transportation.
• Stay informed and be prepared to leave on short notice if an Evacuation Order is issued.

This comes after the TNRD expanded its existing Evacuation Alert in the area west of Merritt.

The Evacuation Alerts are in response to the Ainslie Creek, which is part of the massive Brunswick Complex fires, which are burning across a combined 33,679 hectares (about 226 square kilometres) of forest in the Boston Bar area.

You can see more information on active evacuation alerts and orders from the TNRD here.