People fleeing their homes as a result of an evacuation order are being told they might have to spend the night in their vehicles.
An evacuation order was issued for the entire District of Logan Lake at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday (Aug. 12), telling residents they needed to leave immediately. The Tremont Creek wildfire is burning about seven kilometres away.
Mayor Robin Smith confirmed to Glacier Media that the order was being prepared.
“We are currently processing the evacuation order as we speak. We would much appreciate your help getting that out,” says Smith.
BC Wildfire Service says the Tremont Creek wildfire saw continued growth throughout the day, primarily in the southern direction.
An updated alert sent out at 4:22 p.m. warned residents that there is no accommodation available in nearby Merritt or Ashcroft.
Instead, people are being asked to drive to Chilliwack, over two hours away to the Emergency Support Services reception centre at Chilliwack Senior Secondary (46363 Yale Rd.).
“There is no ability for lodging at this reception centre,” reads the alert.
The alert also states people need to be prepared to “lodge with family or friends or in your vehicle as accommodation is limited.”
Logan Lake has been on evacuation alert for weeks. (Check the Thompson-Nicola Regional District's website for the latest orders and alerts.)
One Logan Lake resident says the thought of travelling to Chilliwack makes her anxious and says it’s too far.
“We have friends and family in Kamloops we can stay with. We are very lucky,” Krista Lobb tells Glacier Media.
As she was leaving home on Thursday, she says it was very eerie and unsettling in Logan Lake.
“We noticed a lot of people zooming into Logan Lake as we were leaving,” says Lobb.
“I’m guessing people who were at work are trying to get in and grab some stuff.”
Many on social media are offering up places for evacuees to stay. The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc powwow grounds (330 Chief Alex Thomas Way in Kamloops) are also welcoming evacuees.
BC Wildfire Service posted on social media late Thursday afternoon that the Tremont Creek wildfire experienced "significant growth" over the last 24 hours and "has escaped containment lines in the southeast near Tunkwa Lake."
