Sirens sounded in the northeastern British Columbia town of Hudson’s Hope, as its 1,150 residents were ordered to flee from what officials called a blaze too extreme for firefighters to battle on the ground.

The Mount McAllister wildfire, which was caused by a lightning strike on Sunday, has mushroomed to 20,000 hectares, or 200 square kilometres, and continues to grow.

Citing a need to “ensure the protection of human life,” the District of Hudson’s Hope issued an evacuation order Wednesday, telling residents to leave the area immediately and go to an emergency centre in Fort St. John, about 90 kilometres away.

Police and emergency officials went door-to-door to homes and businesses telling people to leave.

Residents are being asked to make the 80 km trip to Fort St. John, where they are being told they will be put up at the North Peace Arena on 96 Avenue.