Headlines News Wildfire Week
Wildfire forces about 40 people to evacuate from B.C. Interior

August 22, 2012, Vancouver – Emergency officials in British Columbia's Cariboo region have asked about 40 people to leave their homes because of a wildfire.

The Ministry of Forests said Tuesday evening that the wildfire was about 100 hectares in size and burning about 40 kilometres west of Clinton, B.C., which is halfway between Prince George and Vancouver.

Provincial wildfire personnel and RCMP officers went door-to-door advising residents of 15 homes they should evacuate.

However, Liz Cornwell of the Thompson-Nicola Eegional District Emergency Operations Centre said some residents chose to stay put since their homes were not in immediate danger.

Cornwell also said the blaze may have spread from a house fire.

"All we've been advised is that one home was involved and that is where apparently the fire started."

Jenny Fremlin, a fire information officer, said evacuees were being asked to assemble at a community hall in Clinton.

"There are approximately 40 residents being affected by this tactical evacuation," she said, noting the residents lived in about 15 homes.

The ministry said two structures have been "involved" by the fire but no other buildings are under immediate threat.

The fire has also burned up a local road, and may affect traffic at the Big Bar Ferry.

The ministry also said smoke will be visible to residents of Clinton, and air tankers, two helicopters, heavy equipment and as many as 42 firefighters are battling the blaze.