Update: 11 p.m.
The Neskonlith Indian Band is issuing an evacuation order for Neskonklith IR 2 near the Village of Chase due to the 35-hectare Scatchard Mountain wildfire.
Those within the IR2 are to evacuate to the Adams Lake Band Gym and Conference Centre.
“Based on this information, an order pursuant to the authority of the council under Sections 81 and 8 of the Indian Act are to evacuate these areas has been authorized in the interest of life and safety,” reads a notice from the band.
Local authorities and other agencies are assisting Neskonklith Council in expediting the evacuation.
The Neskonklith Indian Band stressed that those who stay, rescue and suppression efforts will not take place for their residence.
Update: 8:20 p.m.
The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has issued an evacuation alert in response to the 35-hectare Scatchard Mountain wildfire near Chase.
Effective as of 7 p.m. on June 30, the TNRD alert was for approximately nine properties in Electoral Area L (Grasslands) in areas near Harper Lake. The TNRD alert follows an evacuation order issued by the Neskonlith Indian Band.
BC Wildfire Service said the blaze is displaying Rank 2 and Rank 3 fire behaviour, meaning a surface fire with visible, open flame.
The fire is said to be moving south and east, away from the Neskonlith community and Chase.
"We are responding with ground crews as well as aerial resources alongside local fire department personnel throughout the afternoon period," said the BCWS via social media.
The BCWS said a unit crew supported by a Night Vision Imaging System helicopter, will be conducting overnight suppression operations.
Update: 7:15 p.m.
The Neskonlith Indian Band has declared a state of local emergency as the Scatchard Mountain wildfire west of Chase continues to grow.
On Monday evening, June 30, the Neskonlith band council announced it had declared a state of emergency local emergency for the issuance of an evacuation order. The band explained the wildfire, now at 35 hectares, is an emergency event requiring "prompt coordination of action and regulation of person or property to protect the health, safety an welfare of community members and to limit damage to property."
Discovered on Monday, June 30, the out-of-control blaze was determined to be human caused.
The band has also issued a notice to the public asking not to fly drones in the area of the wildfire, stressing "drone activity is strictly prohibited as it interferes with aerial freighting efforts, putting crews and community members at risk."
At this time an evacuation order is in effect only on the Neskonlith reserve land. The Chase Emergency Support Services team is supporting evacuees from the band.
For further information, visit the Neskonlith Reception page on Facebook.
Update: 5:20 p.m.
An evacuation order remains in effect for residents in the area of the now 14-hectare Mount Skatchard burning west of Chase.
Discovered on June 30, the out-of-control blaze prompted the Neskonlith Band to issue an evacuation order, with those affected asked to go to the Adams Lake Recreation and Conference Centre, where the band would be providing dinner.
According to an update from the band, the fire is burning at Rank 2, a low-vigour surface fire. As of 5 p.m. the band said no homes were under threat with the fire travelling uphill and away from the community.
Update: 3:30 p.m.
BC Wildfire is responding to the Mount Scatchard blaze off Harper Mountain Road.
According to fire information officer Taylor Shantz, two helicopters, fixed-wing air support, seven skimmer planes and a unit crew with 22 personnel are on scene.
“Conditions have not changed since crews arrived on site, but we haven’t received further information about current fire behaviour,” said Shantz.
Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures of 30 C with a UV index of 8 or very high with clear skies.
Update: 2:45 p.m., June 30
The Neskonlith Band is urging those evacuated due to a wildfire burning west of Chase to head to the Adams Lake Recreation and Conference Centre.
The band issued the call via social media, having evacuees head to the band facility at 6349 Chief Jules Drive.
The band said the fire is burning near its administration office off Chief Neskonlith Drive on Harper Mountain Road. The evacuation was mandatory for all the surrounding area.
As of 2:45 p.m. the fire was estimated to be 4 hectares in size.
New fire just started a few hours ago near #Chase BC. The fire is only 1km or so outside of the village so hopefully the fire is brought under control quickly. pic.twitter.com/U28RrrzFFP
— RodneyM (@Rodneym79) June 30, 2025
Original story
Firefighters have been deployed to a wildfire near Chase.
The .25 hectare fire was spotted by Highway 1 west of the village on Monday, June 30.
As of 1:40 p.m. on June 30, the Chase Fire Department was responding to the blaze as was the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), with three initial attack crews deployed along with support personnel.
"We also have air support in the form of helicopters and shortly fixed-wing aircraft as well," said the BCWS.
The cause of the fire had not yet been determined.
