🕒 Last updated on July 3, 2025
Wildfire Sparks Emergency in Neskonlith Area
A fast-moving wild fire has forced tactical evacuations near Chase, British Columbia. The fire began Monday afternoon near the Neskonlith Indian Band lands, located about 60 kilometers east of Kamloops and 200 kilometers northeast of Vancouver.
The flames are burning close to the Neskonlith administration office. It is located immediately off Harper Mountain Road on Chief Neskonlith Drive. Due to the rapid spread of the fire, officials ordered a mandatory evacuation of the surrounding area.
According to local posts, the situation remains serious. The fire is moving quickly. Smoke has been visible from nearby communities, including the Village of Chase, which is about five kilometers away.
While exact numbers are unclear, the evacuation affects multiple homes and businesses. Maps of the area show several properties close to where the fire started. Emergency teams have been moving swiftly to protect lives and property.
Tactical Evacuations Underway in the Wild Fire Affected Zone
Emergency teams are conducting tactical evacuations in the affected zone. This means they are going door-to-door to alert people at risk. These actions are faster than formal evacuation orders issued by local governments.
The fire was discovered around 3 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday. It has already grown to cover an estimated four hectares, or 0.04 square kilometers. The suspected cause is human activity, though exact details remain unknown. Fires not started by lightning are generally classified this way.
Crews quickly moved in to assess the danger and guide residents to safety. While the wild fire initially started near homes and buildings, it is now burning away from residential areas, heading eastward.
Officials say that the flames are no longer moving directly toward structures. However, they continue to monitor the situation closely. Smoke and wind remain a concern for nearby towns.
Evacuees Directed to Reception Center
People forced to leave their homes are being sent to a reception center in Chase. The center’s purpose is to assist evacuees by offering them temporary housing and necessary supplies.
Chase is a small town of about 2,300 residents. The Neskonlith reserve lands have a population of just over 200. Not everyone on the reserve is believed to be affected by the fire or evacuations. Still, the fire’s location near key buildings has raised alarm.
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Local leaders are urging people to follow all instructions and stay out of the affected areas. Barricades and signs are in place to keep people safe and allow crews to work without interference.
Posts on social media from the area depict dense smoke in the atmosphere. Heavy ash and decreased vision have been observed by local residents. Helicopters and fire trucks are active in the region.
Officials Warn of Rapid Wild Fire Spread
The B.C. Wildfire Service continues to update the public on the fire’s progress. One of their information officers stated that the fire’s rapid spread required immediate tactical action. Crews worked quickly to inform and evacuate residents in its path.
Although the fire is now heading east, conditions can change. Firefighters are battling both the blaze and the elements, including shifting winds and dry terrain.
Water tankers and ground teams are focusing their efforts on containment. The goal is to keep the fire from moving toward more populated areas or important infrastructure.
As of now, no injuries have been reported. No homes have been confirmed lost, but the area remains under close watch.
In the meantime, residents are urged to stay informed. They should listen to updates from local emergency services and avoid the area entirely unless directed otherwise. The safety of residents and emergency responders remains the top priority.