An evacuation order has been issued for more than 100 properties surrounding Big Bar Lake in British Columbia's southern Cariboo region due to the rapid spread of the Fiftynine Creek wildfire.

The fire, believed to have been caused by a lightning strike, has grown to an estimated 4,000 hectares (40 square kilometers) since its discovery on Friday.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has ordered evacuations for 131 properties, including the Big Bar Lake Provincial Park campground, which features nearly 50 campsites.

Authorities advise residents to leave eastbound on Big Bar Road toward Highway 97 if safe, or westbound through Meadow Lake or Jesmond if the route becomes impassable.

An evacuation alert covers an additional 63 properties near Highway 97, and 12 properties near South Green Lake are under alert due to the Tin Cup Creek wildfire.The B.C.

Wildfire Service warns that over 4,000 lightning strikes have been recorded this week, increasing the risk of new fires as storm systems move east and dry conditions return.Residents are urged to prepare for potential last-minute evacuations, with emergency information available through official channels.