Evac orders near Coquihalla

Photo: Thompson-Nicola Regional District

The evacuation perimeter near Murray Lake, just west of the Coquihalla Highway, due to the nearby Juliet Creek wildfire.

A wildfire burning southwest of Merritt has prompted evacuation orders to be issued.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has evacuated 25 properties near Murray Lake, about 50 kilometres south of Merritt, due to the nearby Juliet Creek wildfire.

The fire, which began Wednesday due to lightning, was last estimated to be 600 hectares in size late Saturday morning.

The estimated size is expected to increase today, as the BC Wildfire Service said the fire "will appear to grow significantly once a more accurate perimeter has been mapped."

The TNRD described the fire as "rapidly moving" and to be threatening properties. The evacuation perimeter borders a section of the Coquihalla Highway, just north of Coldwater River Provincial Park.

Those evacuating from the area are asked to check into Emergency Social Services reception centre in Merritt, located at 1720 Coldwater Avenue.