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**update**

DECLARATION OF STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
EVACUATION ORDER for Electoral Areas "O"&"E"
(BONAPARTE LAKE WILDFIRE)

To view the evacuation orders click below:
for Area E
for Area O

Airtankers are currently working to protect homes affected by a wildfire burning at the south-east end of Bonaparte Lake, 22 kilometres north-west of Barriere. The cause is under investigation.

The fire was first reported on Wednesday afternoon, and quickly grew to an estimated 60 hectares. Airtankers were quickly dispatched to the area. Wildfire Management Branch specialists are directing aerial suppression of this fire, but are encountering aggressive fire behaviour.

Airtankers are dropping fire retardant to slow the fire's growth, focussing on the east flank of the fire, which is closest to homes. The fire has grown primarily to the north and south, away from homes. Fire suppression personnel are anticipating strong winds in the area this evening.

A specialized Incident Management Team is en route to the fire to direct suppression activities.

Residents with health and safety concerns resulting from the fire can call the Thompson Nicola Regional District at1-866-377-7188. Smoke from this fire is visible from Barriere and nearby communities, but the fire is not currently threatening the town.

Warm and dry conditions coupled with gusting winds have led to active wildfire behaviour across the region. The Kamloops Fire Centre has responded to seven new wildfires today. Four of today's fires have been caused by human activity.

As the risk of wildfire increases and the Fire Centre responds to an increase in lightning-caused fires, it is critical that resources are not unnecessarily deployed to preventable wildfires caused by people.