Evacuation order issued for French Bar Creek wildfire, now listed at 1,246 hectares

51 firefighters are currently assigned to the blaze

Evacuation order issued for French Bar Creek wildfire, now listed at 1,246 hectares Published 4:58 pm Thursday, July 16, 2026 The French Bar Creek wildfire has grown to 1,246.3 hectares and prompted the Thompson Nicola Regional District to issue an evacuation order. On Thursday, July 16, the TNRD issued an evacuation order for a remote unaddressed property located near French Bar Creek. The property is listed as District Lot 5151, Lillooet District, near Lone Cabin Creek.

Anyone in this area must leave immediately due to the spreading wildfire. The TNRD has also issued evacuation alerts for two properties in the Bonaparte Plateau, 7129 and 7140 Empire Valley Road. Residents in this area should be prepared to evacuate and are advised to pack essential items, locate all family members and ensure their vehicles are fueled for a sudden trip.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the French Bar Creek wildfire is burning 1.5 kilometres west of the Fraser River and is burning upslope in steep and rocky terrain. This terrain, combined with the availability of water, is making access to this fire challenging for BCWS crews. “Firefighters are focusing their direct attack efforts along accessible flanks on the west and northwest sides of the fire, continuing control line development and suppression along the fire’s edge,” BCWS stated.

“Crews also continue to establish access to the north of the fire, as well as sites for water sources and for helicopters.” There are 51 firefighters currently assigned to the fire, which has burned its way north into the southern parts of the Cariboo Fire Centre. Supporting firefighters are 10 helicopters, which are dropping water onto the north flank of the fire to address any flare-ups.

These helicopters are also transporting personnel, gear and water for crews. There are also two pieces of heavy equipment responding to the fire. “Yesterday (July 15), the most active parts of the fire are on the northwest flank, which is burning rank 4 and 5, meaning it is a highly to extremely vigorous surface fire with some active crown fire,” the BCWS stated.

“The fire behaviour is heavily influenced by the weather. At the height of the day or in windy conditions, fire behaviour is expected to increase.” The BCWS noted that the weather over the next few days will be warm and windy, with humidity hovering between 18 per cent and 25 per cent.

No rain is forecast in the coming days. As of Thursday, July 16, this fire remains out of control.