Residents of an area just to the east of Princeton, B.C., have been told they need to evacuate their homes due to the August Lake Wildfire, which has been characterized as out of control.
Princeton Mayor Spencer Coyne says his home is across the river from the flames, and he was one of the first to report the blaze to authorities.
“It’s about three miles, so about six kilometres-ish from town,” he said.
Coyne says several crews from neighbouring towns have responded, including those from the Princeton and Keremeos fire departments.
“BC Wildfires has prioritized this in the area. There were at least four, if not more, bombers on it.”
The evacuation order applies to areas south of Highway 3, west to Amber Hill Road/Darcy Mountain Road near the Sewer Treatment Plant, and east to Willies Ranch Road. It also includes the Princeton Golf Club and properties on Taylor Mill Drive.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has also issued an #Evacuation Alert in Electoral Area H near August Lake due to #BCWildfire. This wildfire is a threat to safety. Impacted residents must be ready to leave on short notice. More info: https://t.co/YoaydMEZv5 #BC https://t.co/fggyCD6EyL pic.twitter.com/xf99AsJ7LP
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire is about 10 hectares in size.
“You must leave the area immediately,” the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) said online, saying anyone who stays does so at their own risk.
Residents are being directed to the Princeton Arena at 167 Old Hedley Road.
In addition, an evacuation alert has been issued for several areas near the evacuation order.
The alert applies to those who live on properties north of Highway 3 along the Similkameen River, south of Princeton Cemetery Road, east of Copper Mountain Road, and west of Willie Ranch. The RDOS says residents in this area must be prepared to leave if the alert gets upgraded to an order.
It isn’t clear how many homes are affected.
— With files from Renee Bernard.
