B.C. wildfires lead to multiple evacuation orders

A large number of evacuation orders has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District, and a wildfire near Coldstream is also prompting evacuations.

Fire crews are using equipment including a night vision helicopter to fight two out-of-control wildfires in Central British Columbia that led to evacuation orders for more than 800 properties.

The Cariboo Regional District issued a series of orders and alerts on Friday including for the communities of Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake, Charlotte Lake and surrounding areas

Mikhail Elsay, a fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service, says the 53-square-kilometre Dusty Lake fire is proving to be a challenge because of weeks hot weather that led to the forest being “critically dry.”

He says a total of nearly 100 firefighters are fighting that blaze and the Beef Trail Creek wildfire, which measures more than 100 square kilometres.

Elsewhere in the province, the District of Coldstream issued an evacuation order for 15 properties in the Lavington area late Friday, along with an evacuation alert for dozens more.

There are nearly 150 wildfires burning in B.C. with 53 listed as out of control.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2025