An out-of-control wildfire burning near the community of Boston Bar, B.C., has triggered an evacuation order and an accompanying alert.

Officials have declared a local state of emergency and say residents in North Bend, Electoral Area A, are being told to get out now.

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In an interview with 1130 NewsRadio, Sam Bellion, spokesperson for the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), says that the alert was issued because high downslope winds caused “extreme fire behaviour.”

She says that BCWS is supporting the Boston Bar Fire Department with airborne equipment.

“Right now on site: Boston Bar Fire Department, three initial attack crews, two unit crews, two response officers, and they are supported by aviation, which varies throughout the day, but it includes six helicopters bucketing, doing operations through the day, heavy equipment, structure protection, and also two groups of helicopters equipped with night vision who are working through the night,” Bellion said.

She adds that an incident management team has been requested with additional resources in aviation support.

For this tactical evacuation, locals are being advised to gather family members, pets, and essential items such as government ID.

An alert in the same area has been extended north and south of Area A, at the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service.

The Boothroyd Indian Band issued a second evacuation order on Sunday morning.

British Columbia’s Forests Minister Ravi Parmar says on social media that BC Wildfire Service continues to support the local fire department with crews and equipment, including helicopters equipped with night vision.

Discovered on July 2, the Brunswick Creek fire has since grown to 100 hectares and is believed to have been sparked by human activity.

Currently, the fire is burning on the west side of the Fraser River, and the Wildfire Service says it expects the blaze will continue to grow.