Prince George, B.C. – The Elephant Hill fire which has been threatening the Village of Clinton and surrounding areas has resulted in the immediate evacuation of the entire Village of Clinton, with the exception of the Chasm Mill site, as well as some properties northeast of Clinton.

The Emergency Operations Centre of the Thompson Nicola Regional District indicates there are three properties on McCall Road and ten properties on Valley Road that are also affected by the Evacuation Order.

Also, Highway 97 southbound has been closed at 70 Mile House but will remain open between Clinton and 70 Mile for evacuation.  The alternate route is Highway 24 to Highway 5 and south to Highway 1.

Highway 97 northbound is closed at Look Lake Road due to fire.  Southbound remains open for evacuation of Clinton residents to Kamloops.  The alternate route is Highway 1, north to Highway 5 and across on Highway 24.

These closures are expected to remain in effect until at least noon on Sunday.

The Elephant Hill fire, an interface wildfire, covers over 70,000 hectares and is 30 percent contained.

Further information is available at eoccommunications@tnrd.ca and by calling 1-866-377-7188.