Update: 7:15 p.m.
The Neskonlith Indian Band has declared a state of local emergency as the Scatchard Mountain wildfire west of Chase continues to grow.
On Monday evening, June 30, the Neskonlith band council announced it had declared a state of emergency local emergency for the issuance of an evacuation order. The band explained the wildfire, now at 35 hectares, is an emergency event requiring "prompt coordination of action and regulation of person or property to protect the health, safety an welfare of community members and to limit damage to property."
Discovered on Monday, June 30, the out-of-control blaze was determined to be human caused.
The band has also issued a notice to the public asking not to fly drones in the area of the wildfire, stressing "drone activity is strictly prohibited as it interferes with aerial freighting efforts, putting crews and community members at risk."
At this time an evacuation order is in effect only on the Neskonlith reserve land. The Village of Chase and the Thompson Nicola Regional District have both issued notices stating they currently have no evacuation alerts or orders in effect. The Chase Emergency Support Services team is supporting evacuees from the band.
For further information, visit the Neskonlith Reception page on Facebook.
Update: 5:20 p.m.
An evacuation order remains in effect for residents in the area of the now 14-hectare Mount Skatchard burning west of Chase.
Discovered on June 30, the out-of-control blaze prompted the Neskonlith Band to issue an evacuation order, with those affected asked to go to the Adams Lake Recreation and Conference Centre, where the band would be providing dinner.
According to an update from the band, the fire is burning at Rank 2, a low-vigour surface fire. As of 5 p.m. the band said no homes were under threat with the fire travelling uphill and away from the community.
Update: 3:30 p.m.
BC Wildfire is responding to the Mount Scatchard blaze off Harper Mountain Road.
According to fire information officer Taylor Shantz, two helicopters, fixed-wing air support, seven skimmer planes and a unit crew with 22 personnel are on scene.
鈥淐onditions have not changed since crews arrived on site, but we haven鈥檛 received further information about current fire behaviour,鈥� said Shantz.
Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures of 30 C with a UV index of 8 or very high with clear skies.
Update: 2:45 p.m., June 30
The Neskonlith Band is urging those evacuated due to a wildfire burning west of Chase to head to the Adams Lake Recreation and Conference Centre.
The band issued the call via social media, having evacuees head to the band facility at 6349 Chief Jules Drive.
The band said the fire is burning near its administration office off Chief Neskonlith Drive on Harper Mountain Road. The evacuation was mandatory for all the surrounding area.
As of 2:45 p.m. the fire was estimated to be 4 hectares in size.
New fire just started a few hours ago near BC. The fire is only 1km or so outside of the village so hopefully the fire is brought under control quickly.
鈥� RodneyM (@Rodneym79)
Original story
Firefighters have been deployed to a wildfire near Chase.
The .25 hectare fire was spotted by Highway 1 west of the village on Monday, June 30.
As of 1:40 p.m. on June 30, the Chase fire department was responding to the blaze as was the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), with three initial attack crews deployed along with support personnel.
"We also have air support in the form of helicopters and shortly fixed-wing aircraft as well," said the BCWS.
The cause of the fire had not yet been determined.
