Townsend Creek wildfire covers 1.1 square kilometres near Margaret Lake

The Cariboo Regional District has issued an emergency alert for eight parcels covering about 25 square kilometres in the Townsend Creek area due to the risk of a nearby wildfire.

The Townsend Creek wildfire was discovered Saturday afternoon, and is believed to have been sparked by lightning.

The out-of-control blaze currently covers 1.1 square kilometres, and is 2.5 kilometres east of Margaret Lake.

Residents are being told to be prepared to leave with little to no notice.

Earlier in the day, Recreation Sites and Trails BC and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako issued an evacuation order for Kager Lake campsite and Trails and Boer

Mountain trail system due to the danger posed by the Tintagel wildfire.

The fire is also burning out of control, covering 2.5 square kilometres and continuing to spread.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2023.

The Canadian Press