Wildfire forces tactical evacuation in Christina Lake, B.C. [Video]

Tactical evacuations were underway in Christina Lake, B.C., Sunday afternoon due to an out-of-control wildfire, according to officials.

An emergency alert was issued at 3:45 p.m. for all properties on Brown Road, Kensington Place, and Caitlin Road.

“The Spaulding Creek wildfire poses a threat to human life,” the alert said.

The Kootenay-Boundary Reginal District said tactical evacuations – where police and other first responders go door-to-door to inform and assist residents – were underway.

Residents were directed to the Christina Lake Community Hall, where emergency services volunteers arrived later Sunday afternoon.

Initially, 42 homes were evacuated and 208 more are on evacuation alert, according to the regional district. Around 6 p.m., the evacuation orders for Caitlin Road and Kensington Place were downgraded to alerts.

Highway 3 has been closed in both directions at East Lake Drive bridge as a result of the blaze.

The BC Wildfire Service said the fire …