TNRD expands evacuation orders near Ainslie Creek wildfire

This comes just one day after the TNRD issued an evacuation order for 57 addressed properties in the Coldwater/Patchett area and an evacuation alert for 783 properties within Electoral Areas “M,” “I” (Blue Sky Country) and “N” (Beautiful Nicola Valley – South).

Evacuees looking to receive Emergency Support Services (ESS) can use the Evacuee Registration & Assistance tool or report to the Kamloops ESS Reception Centre, located at McArthur Island at 1655 Island Parkway.

You can learn more about the TNRD’s evacuation order here.

As of Saturday (August 8), the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the Ainslie Creek wildfire is estimated to be 48,537.09 hectares in size (about 485 square kilometres).

The BCWS said the fire has been most active in the northeast and southeastern flanks, but the flames do not pose an imminent threat to Merritt or Highway 5.

“Yesterday (Friday, August 7) we continued to see active fire behaviour in the northeastern most section of the fire. Overnight activity continued and satellite imagery is showing fairly significant heat beyond the northeastern most edge of the fire,” said the BCWS.

“The northeast perimeter of the fire is currently estimated approximately 11-12 km southwest of Highway 8. We are estimating growth approximately 5 km beyond the existing perimeter to the north/northeast.”

The BCWS said crews from Mexico are helping fight the massive wildfire.