Telegraph Creek and surrounding area are now under an evacuation order as the Alkali Lake wildfire spreads north.
Over the weekend the fire has grown to 2,800 hectares as of Monday afternoon from 200 hectares Friday.
Residents are asked to leave the area and report to Emergency Support Services at Peoples Haven at 1 Stikine Street in Dease Lake, phone number 250-771-5577.
Ninety-five firefighters and seven pieces of heavy equipment are now on site with air support of seven helicopters.
BC Wildfire Service says high winds and continued dry conditions have challenged efforts throughout the weekend. Today (Aug. 6) crews will focus on the southwest flank to create a further fuel break between the fire and Telegraph Creek. Crews will also work on securing the wooden bridge in the town site and the bridge to the east on Highway 51.
The Regional District of Kitimat Stikine had declared a state of emergency and evacuation alert for seven homes five kilometres west of Telegraph Creek within 24 hours of the fire’s discovery Aug. 1. What’s now an evacuation order covers the Telegraph Creek and surrounding area.
READ MORE: More crews moved to Alkali Lake wildfire
The Elbow Lake fire also continues to burn out of control about 70 kilometres north of Dease Lake. An evacuation order is also in effect for the Hwy 37 Dease River area.
BC Wildfire Service says this 665-hectare fire in the sparsely populated area is being monitored by one helicopter and will receive limited suppression action if deemed necessary. Some cabins are receiving structural protection.
This Elbow Lake fire is burning west of Hwy 37, which is still open to traffic.
Both the Alkali Lake and Elbow Lake wildfires were lightning caused.
More to come.
quinn@terracestandard.com
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