UPDATE: Evacuation alerts lifted for homes near Merritt-area wildfire

Evacuation alerts have been rescinded for properties near the 100-hectare Petit Creek wildfire burning northwest of Merritt.

B.C. Wildfire Service fire information officer Gagan Lidhran said the fire had not spread outside of its predetermined and existing boundaries and is currently being held. The 0.5 ha Buck Ridge wildfire is classified as under control and suspected to be human caused.

When a fire's status changes to being held, it indicates sufficient suppression action has been taken and fire is not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under prevailing and forecasted conditions, according to the wildfire service.

Both evacuation alerts in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District for the Miller Estates subdivision and Canford community have been rescinded.

The alerts included:

• 1101, 1161, 1200, 1581, 1693, 2341 and 2437 Merritt Spences Bridge Highway 8
• 1256 – 1852 Miller Road
• 2305 Woodward Road
• 2757, 2797, 2815, 2861 and 2901 Merritt Spences Bridge Highway 8

The wildfire service is expecting rain this weekend in the area, but is reminding residents there is still a fire risk today and tomorrow with windy conditions and the absence of rain.

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