Wildfire evacuation orders issued for Clinton, B.C., and surrounding area

A rapid expansion of the Elephant Hill wildfire in B.C.'s Interior has forced the evacuation ofthe village of Clintonand the surrounding region.

A series of evacuation orders came in rapid succession on Saturday, just days after a separate evacuation order was issued toseveral properties northeast of Clinton due to a rapidly moving wildfire in the area.

Clinton is about 125 kilometres northwest of Kamloops, B.C., and has a population of about 650 people.

"It's pretty scary," said Clinton resident Tina Horsleyupon arriving at the emergency centre in Kamloops. "I have a bunch of animals and six kids. To pack up and take a bunch of people out of there, it's pretty scary."

Later Saturday, theevacuation order for Clintonwas expanded to include theChasm Mill site,properties along Highway 97to thenorth and south of Clinton, and an area aroundGreen Lake, including 70 Mile House.

Meanwhile, farther north,an evacuation order for theClisbako area about 100 kilometres west of Quesnel was also expanded.

"Due to immediate danger, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action," said a statement from the Cariboo Regional District.

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Anyone with large animals or livestock in need of shelter is asked to contact anemergency operations centre at 1-866-377-7188

Anyone from Clinton requiring food and accommodation is also asked to register at the Sandman Centre at 300 Lorne St. in Kamloops.

Evacuees from the Clisbakoarea are asked to travel along Baezaeko Road to Nazko Road into Quesnelto an emergency centre at 500 North Star Road.

All evacuees are also required to register with the Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582.

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