Evacuation alert issued for 10 properties as Konni Lake wildfire burns out of control in B.C.

An evacuation alert has been issued for 10 properties in British Columbia’s Cariboo region as a wildfire burns out of control early in the province’s wildfire season.

According to a joint notice from the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, the Tsilhqot’in National Government, and the Cariboo Regional District, the alert was issued late Thursday for properties near the Konni Lake wildfire, located about 200 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake. The alert advises residents to be prepared to leave on short notice.

BC Wildfire Service information indicates the Konni Lake fire was measured at about 215 hectares and classified as a moderately vigorous surface fire. The evacuation alert area spans roughly 465 hectares of land considered at risk.

Provincial data shows that as of Friday, there were 22 active wildfires across British Columbia, including five listed as out of control.

Authorities have also implemented fire restrictions across the Cariboo Fire Centre, including the Tsilhqot’in title area. Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, along with associated equipment and activities, are now prohibited.