The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has expanded an evacuation alert to another 118 properties as the Ainslie Creek wildfire continues to threaten areas southwest of Merritt. An evacuation alert does not require residents to leave their homes, but means they should be prepared to evacuate on short notice if conditions worsen. On Saturday, the TNRD issued an evacuation order for 61 properties west of Merritt, including areas along Petit Creek Road and Prospect Creek Forest Service Road. The Ainslie Creek wildfire remains out of control and is part of the larger Brunswick Complex. Residents under evacuation alert are being urged to continue monitoring official updates as wildfire conditions can change quickly.