UPDATE (11:10 p.m.) In a news release, the City of Kamloops says RCMP are carrying out a tactical evacuation of all properties south of Valleyview Drive from River Road to Highland Drive.

Properties in Juniper Ridge, north of Nechako Drive are also under tactical evacuation.

Evacuated residents are asked to seek shelter with friends and family for tonight, as the ESS reception centres are currently at capacity supporting evacuees from the Lytton and surrounding area wildfires.

UPDATE: (10:55 p.m.) The City of Kamloops is advising residents of Valleyview and Juniper Ridge who are leaving their homes to stay with family and friends of possible.

Otherwise, residents can register at the Emergency Social Services Centre at McArthur Island.

Acting Mayor Arjun Singh spoke briefly with CFJC Today earlier.

Singh said Kamloops Fire Rescue and the B.C. Wildfire Service are battling a series of fires in Kamloops right now, all started by the lightning that swept through the area earlier.

Singh says he has full confidence in the crews working to suppress the fires.

CFJC‘s Dylana Kneeshaw is in the neighbourhood, and says RCMP are going door to door on Valleyview Drive, knocking on doors and telling residents to leave the area.

EARLIER: A large fire is threatening homes in the Juniper Ridge and Valleyview areas of Kamloops.

The fire began during a lightning storm that swept over the city Thursday night (July 1).

Kamloops Fire Rescue has responded to the fire which can be seen from many areas of the city.

Lightning strikes & fire in Juniper.

From @cityofkamloops: Juniper residents, please stay with family or friends tonight if possible. If not, go to McArthur Island ESS.

BC Emergency Support Services (ESS): 1-800-585-9559

— Sadie Hunter (@SadieKamloops) July 2, 2021

CFJC Today has a team in the field and will continue to update this story.

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Dylana Kneeshaw