Fast-moving B.C. wildfires are forcing evacuations, closing roads and putting communities on edge as crews battle intense flames across the province.

Canada’s most western province is now battling 139 active wildfires, with 40 per cent considered out of controlm according to the province’s wildfire dashboard. More than 1,200 properties are currently under evacuation order across British Columbia, with thousands more under evacuation alert as wildfire conditions continue to change across the province.

Clinton residents flee as wildfires push toward community

The wildfire threat around Clinton remains one of the most closely watched situations in British Columbia, with residents forced to leave as fast-moving flames moved toward the village and surrounding areas.

The Pear Lake and Fiftynine Creek wildfires merged over the weekend, creating a larger complex that continued to show aggressive behaviour north and northeast of the Chasm area.

“We could see the red of the flames coming up over the hill,” one evacuee told CBC News, capturing the fear gripping communities in the path of B.C.’s wildfires. As evacuation orders expanded over the weekend, social media filled with harrowing videos from residents showing their journeys out, including vehicles moving through thick smoke and flames along nearby roads.

Residents of 70 Mile House and surrounding areas are being warned to prepare for a possible evacuation order, which is expected to take effect at 10 a.m. PT Monday.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District says the nearby Pear Lake wildfire is forecast to grow overnight, prompting officials to take precautionary action.

B.C. deploys nearly 1,000 firefighters as wildfire response ramps up

B.C. has deployed nearly 1,000 firefighters, along with aircraft, heavy equipment and structure protection teams, as crews battle wildfires across the province, according to data shared on the province’s wildfire dashboard.

The BC Wildfire Service says 25 Yukon firefighters will arrive on July 27 with 66 members of Alberta Wildfire showing up the following day. On Aug. 3, 114 personnel from Mexico will arrive.

“Emergency response doesn’t happen alone, when wildfire activity increases agencies across Canada and internationally work together to support one another,” said BCWS in a social media post.