An evacuation order in the area of the Old Man Lake fire east of Houston was added to an alert early this morning by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

It applies to properties off of the Heading Creek Forest Service Road following the fire鈥檚 growth yesterday afternoon.

鈥淗igher than forecasted temperatures combined with afternoon instability resulted in thunderstorm cells and high winds in the area and caused fire activity to increase,鈥� reports the B.C. Wildfire Service.

鈥淭he fire grew to the north and is approximately three kilometres south of Highway 16. The fire is now estimated at 2,200 hectares.鈥�

Crews are now installing sprinkler systems and taking other measures at properties in the area.

The Old Man Creek fire was first reported July 7, one of a series that broke out over that period of time.

Fires in and around the Houston area are now gathered together it what is called the Nadina Complex by the wildfire service.

That means fighting them is placed under one command structure, allowing the coordination of firefighters on the ground, aircraft and heavy equipment.