Wildfire near Princeton, B.C., prompts evacuation order

A wildfire near Princeton in British Columbia's southern Interior has prompted an evacuation order for homes in the area.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameenissued the order late Friday afternoon for the properties about 10 kilometres north of Princeton on Summers Creek Road and Dry Lake along Highway 5A.

The district said the B.C.Wildfire Service, RCMP and Princeton Fire Service are on scene.

An emergency reception centre is being set up at the Riverside Community Centre in Princeton.

The fire has caused the closure of some highways in the area. Drive B.C.says Highway 5A has been closed in both directions at the junction with Highway 3.

There is no estimated time of reopening but Highways 3, 97 and 97C are available as alternate routes.

There are several wildfires burning throughout the Interior.