Two new evacuation alerts were issued late Saturday night in the Cariboo, pushing the total number of active alerts and orders across the region to 12 as crews battle a growing wildfire near Elkin Creek.
The 2,385-hectare blaze, identified as Fire C51842, is burning 1.3 kilometers north of Elkin Creek. At 9pm on Sept. 13, the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation Government, Tŝilhqot’in National Government and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) issued an evacuation alert for the Scum Lake area, covering 18 parcels of CRD land over 34,745 hectares.
Fifteen minutes later, a second alert was declared for the community of Xeni Gwet’in, affecting 81 parcels spanning 78,852 hectares. While the fire is not currently a direct threat to homes, officials warned it could compromise Taseko Lake Road, a key access route.
Conditions driving the fire
According to media reports, Fire C51842 is part of the Puntzi Creek Complex and has been out of control since it was discovered on August 31. Lightning is believed to be the cause, but an exceptionally dry summer and lingering ground fuels from the mountain pine beetle epidemic have made conditions worse.
“While it’s not unusual to see wildfires in September, it is unusual to have so many this large and growing,” said Eric Kopetski, a fire behavior analyst with the Puntzi Creek Incident Management Team. He added that fallen beetle-killed trees continue to act as a “blanket of fuel,” allowing fire to smoulder beneath logs and burn through water and retardant barriers.
Crews have leaned on nighttime ignition tactics when higher humidity reduces spotting risks, helping guide fire spread toward control lines.
Latest update
As of Sunday morning, Sept. 14, the Cariboo Regional District confirmed that Fire C51842 remains out of control. Across the Cariboo Fire Center, 22 wildfires are active, with 11 categorized as out of control. A cold front moving in is expected to bring gusty winds and scattered showers — conditions that could either aid containment or intensify fire behaviour.
Residents under alert have been advised to prepare for possible evacuation at short notice. The CRD recommended keeping essential items ready, fuelling vehicles, arranging care for pets and livestock, and registering with Emergency Support Services.
Updates on alerts and evacuation centres are available through the CRD’s website and its emergency notification system, the reports said.
