UPDATE: 8:25 p.m.

The evacuation order affecting nearly 100 properties has been downgraded to an alert by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District at around 8:00 p.m.

UPDATE: 6:51 p.m.

BC Wildfire Services has deemed the Napier Lake a wildfire of note.

It’s now estimated at around 25 hectares and is burning out of control.

An evacuation order is in effect for 96 nearby properties.

The cause is still undetermined.

Six firefighters, three helicopters and heavy equipment are being used to combat the blaze.

The provincial agency says air tankers have completed their action on the fire today.

twitter.com

ORIGINAL:

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an evacuation order for 96 properties in Electoral Areas ‘J’, ‘I’ and ‘M’ due to a wildfire burning in the area.

A wildfire burning in the vicinity of Napier Lake is threatening structures and the safety of residents, says the statement.

The order is in effect for properties on the 8420-8588 Fraser Road, 80-200 Golden Quill Trail, 7085-77456 Highway 5A, 11425 Kamloops-Merritt Hwy 5A, 8745-8805 Old Kamloops Rd, 7630-7650 Raven Ridge Rd, 6465-8145 Trapp Lake Rd and from 16-72 Windy Way. Other properties affected can be found here.

The @TNRD has issued an #Evacuation Order for 96 properties in the Napier Lake area w/ addresses in Electoral Area “J” (Copper Desert Country), “L” (Grasslands) & “M” (Beautiful Nicola Valley-North). More info: https://t.co/wCC8d6Gq8i #Kamloops #BCwildfirehttps://t.co/qgGEYAuf2Y

— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) July 8, 2021

The TNRD advises evacuees to leave the area immediately.

Residents being told to head to the Merritt Reception Centre at 1950 Mamette Ave. in Merritt. Those staying with friends or family are asked to self-register using the Evacuee Registration & Assistance Tool.

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