A shift in the wind yesterday afternoon expanded the Peacock Creek fire to the point an evacuation order was put into effect for residents of Buck Flats Road and area.

From 1 hectare when first spotted July 6, the fire grew to an estimated 250 hectares by last night.

Information provided by the BC Wildfire Service indicates the fire is a 鈥渃ontinuous crown fire with an organized flame front and is spotting 400 metres ahead of itself.鈥�

鈥淐urrently there is a unit crew, an initial attack crew, two officers and a helicopter onsite. Other aviation resources will be responding at different times throughout the day,鈥� said Casda Thomas from the Northwest Fire Centre in Smithers.

鈥淐urrently the wildfire is displaying slow to moderate spread, however fire behaviour is expected to increase significantly as temperatures warm throughout the day.鈥�

Airtankers sent to the blaze yesterday afternoon were unable to control the fire鈥檚 growth.

The evacuation order affects residents along Buck Flats Road and south of the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club to 2 kilometres south of the Roses Road Junction.

The order came into effect July 11 at 9 p.m.

The order comes from the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

It warns that people who disregard the order and remain in the area do so at their own risk.

Those who do leave are registering at the reception centre at the Houston Community Centre at 2302 Butler Ave. they can also contact the Emergency Support Services Director at 250-844-1404.

鈥淓mergency Support Services can provide assistance for food, accommodation, hotel or staying with friends and family, clothing, emotional support, and family reunification,鈥� states the regional district.