UPDATE Aug. 6, 8 pm:
Some property owners near the Spallumcheen wildfire are being evacuated.
An evacuation order is in effect for Hullcar, Deep Creek and Frederick Road and Todd Creek Place.
An evacuation alert is in place for Parkinson, Wyatt, Knobb Hill, Sharp and Salmon River roads as well as remaining Hullcar properties.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District put out an evacuation order for the following 17 properties Tuesday night:
• East side of Salmon River Road from 2325 to 2621
• West side of Deep Creek Road from 2160 to 2310
Splatsin has also declared an evacuation order for 4860 Hullcar Road, 4910 Hullcar Road and 5214 Clcahl Road.
Those on an evacuation order must leave the area immediately. Those on alert should be ready to leave on a moment's notice.
The Okanagan Indian Band issued an evacuation alert for the following properties:
• 38 Heywood-Armstrong Rd.
• 41 Heywood-Armstrong Rd.
• 50 Heywood-Armstrong Rd.
• 65 Heywood-Armstrong Rd.
• 2853 Heywood Armstrong Rd
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
Proceed to Reception Center located at the Columbia Shuswap Regional District office, 555 Harbourfront Drive NE, Salmon Arm.
If you need directions to the Reception Centre or assistance with transportation from the area, call 250-833-3350.
Close and lock all windows and doors.
Shut off gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
Gather your family. Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash.
Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, keys and grab-and-go bag) only if they are immediately available.
Do not use more vehicles than needed. If time permits, check with neighbours and assist those with special needs.
Regularly monitor the CSRD website, www.csrd.bc.ca, the Shuswap Emergency Program’s (SEP) webpage at www.shuswapemergency.ca, the Shuswap Emergency on Facebook and Twitter, the CSRD's Facebook, Twitter platforms or local news sources for up-to-date and accurate information. Sign up for Alertable, our emergency mass notification system, at www.csrd.bc.ca/alertable For more information, contact: CSRD Emergency Operations Centre Phone: 250-833-3350.
The Hullcar Mountain blaze is an estimated 380 hectares and is classified as out of control.
The wildfire was upgraded to a wildfire of note by the BC Wildfire Service Tuesday night.
Boaters are being reminded to stay away from lake areas being used by wildfire aviation.
The Hullcar Mountain fire continues to be actioned, with crews accessing area lakes including Heart and Okanagan.
The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is asking watercraft users to stay off the north arm of Okanagan Lake and give BC Wildfire Service aircraft space to access water needed for firefighting.
"We are deeply concerned about the Hullcar Mountain wildfire, which has rapidly grown to 330 hectares overnight, posing a significant threat to our Splatsin community and surrounding areas," said Kukpi7 Mike Christian and Splatsin Tkwamipla7. "The safety and well-being of our people are our utmost priority."
The current evacuation alert issued Aug. 5 for 59 properties in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s Electoral Area D remains in effect for the following areas:
• Felix Road
• Salmon River Road
• Clcahl Road
• Hullcar Road
• Williams Road
A FireSmart team will be conducting house-to-house visits in the above areas at Salmon River Road and Deep Creek Road to assist homeowners with reducing wildfire risks.
"We understand the anxiety and stress that comes with such a crisis, especially for those moving livestock and essential items. We ask non-residents to respect the situation by avoiding the area to minimize traffic congestion and allow smooth passage for those under the evacuation alert," Christian said.
DriveBC has issued a notice of the wildfire impacting Salmon River Road.
"Avoid non-essential travel in the area," the alert reads of the area between Yankee Flats Road South and North.
The fire is rated from Rank 1 to 2, indicated by it’s low intensity with a slow rate of spread, according to the OKIB's Aug. 6, 3:30 p.m. update.
"BC Wildfire crews and structural protection units will continue to work throughout the day and overnight to maintain control lines and keep the fire within the perimeters. Water skimmers and helicopters will also continue to work throughout the day to provide suppression."
Parattack and night vision crews are working on the blaze.
No additional evacuation orders or evacuation alerts are planned at this time.