B.C. wildfire evacuation order partially lifted

An evacuation order at Bonaparte Lake, north of Kamloops, B.C., was partially lifted on Thursday evening.

The rescinded order applies only to the western half of Bonaparte Lake, while the eastern half of the lake remains under an evacuation order.

However, officials say those residents who are being allowed back into their homes will remain under an evacuation alert, meaning they must be ready to leave at a moment's notice.

The 110-hectare blaze was discovered on Wednesday afternoon, prompting officials to order about 125 people out of their homes.

About 30 firefighters, seven helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy machinery were fighting the blaze as of Thursday evening.

Crews were also setting up sprinklers on the homes in the area to protect them from the flames.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The blaze is one of several hundred burning throughout the province, with officials estimating 165 new wildfires sparked by lightning on Wednesday night alone.

Officials prioritize fires burning near homes and communities, while others in remote areas are often left to burn out on their own.