A fire discovered on July 7 in the Napier Lake area, roughly 60kms northeast of Merritt, has grown to 56 hectares today.
Yesterday evening, shortly before 6:00pm., the TNRD issued an evacuation order that covered residences at risk in Electoral Area ‘J’ – Copper Desert Country, Electoral Area ‘I’ – Grasslands and Electoral Area ‘M’ – Beautiful Nicola Valley North.
The affected 96 properties were located along Highway 5a north of Peterhope Rd. and south of Roche Lake Rd., including part of the community of Stump Lake.
However, after a brief evacuation, the order was rescinded, and residents were permitted to return just before 8:00pm. This was due to favourable weather which included rain and low temperatures, as well as suppression efforts by BC Wildfire Service.
All properties currently remain on alert and must be prepared to evacuate should the alert become an order once again.
BC Wildfire Service reported that there were three personnel tackling the blaze, with support from air tankers and three helicopters.
