Over 250 fires are burning across the province, and over a hundred properties have been ordered to evacuate, with more on evacuation alert, as hot and dry weather persists and dry lightning is expected to continue.
Of these fires, 83 have started in the last 24 hours.
Cliff Chapman with the B.C. Wildfire Service said Thursday the province appeared to be “on the precipice of a very challenging 72 hours” with hot and dry weather, dry lightning and strong winds forecast.
The Shetland Creek fire in the southern Interior has expanded to 124 square kilometres from about 50 square kilometres on Thursday.
Originally located about 7.5 kilometres north of the community of Spences Bridge, it is considered a “wildfire of note,” meaning it is highly visible or poses a potential threat to public safety.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has expanded an evacuation order in the area to cover about 85 properties in the Venables Valley area, while the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band has issued orders for several reserves.
Residents of another 170 properties are subject to an evacuation alert, with the district telling them to be ready to leave on short notice.
Heat warnings remain in place for much of the province’s Interior and North, with thunderstorms and dry lightning expected to continue into Saturday.
The B.C. Wildfire Service is asking anyone who sees a wildfire to report it using the Wildfire App or by calling 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free), or *5555 on a cellphone.