Expanding wildfires have forced the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine to expand the evacuation order for the area around Telegraph Creek.
The rapid spreading of the Alkali Lake fire forced the District to issue a local state of emergency for Telegraph Creek and the immediate vicinity yesterday.
After meeting with community members this morning, on-site information officer Jodie Lucius has varified that at least 27 structures have been damaged by the flames.
According to Lucius, while no exact changes are available at the moment, the fire is believed to have expanded over night, and as a result, the evacuation order has been expanded to include the area from Yehinko Creek to Caribou Meadows.
Tahltan Band Chief Rick McLean was understanbly emotional as he spoke to evacuees this morning in Dease Lake.
Residents of the effected areas are asked to make their way to a reception centre set up at Peoples Haven at 1 Stikine Street in Dease Lake.
An evacuation order also remains in place for the area around the Elbow Lake Wildfire.
Those within the jurisdiction of the Elbow Lake order are asked to head to the Dease Lake Community Hall at 2102 First Avenue.
We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.