An evacuation order has been issued for a rural area just outside the town of Smithers in northwest British Columbia because of flooding along the Bulkley River and its tributaries.

The order issued around 9 p.m. PT Friday covers part of the Ebenezer Flats area. Residents have been told to move pets, livestock and vehicles.

A reception centre was set up in Smithers to assist evacuees, who were asked to go to 15th Avenue and Princess Street to register.

Lance Hamblin, chair of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, said the entire Bulkley Valley is facing increased water levels.

"We have another evacuation order on just east of Houston on two residences, we have a number of evacuation alerts in place and the District of Houston also has an evacuation alert, a fairly large one, in place," he said.

"It's totally dependent on the way the water releases out of the mountains."

The B.C. River Forecast Centre issued a flood warning earlier Friday, saying heavy rain and melting snow have swollen the river near Smithers and Houston, and that water levels were expected to continue to rise through the weekend.

There is also a flood warning in place for Cranbrook where the Joseph Creek has flooded in some places and sandbags are being used to try to contain the water.

Two other areas of concern are the Nicola River near Merritt and the Bonaparte River near Cache Creek, which are also rising.

With files from The Canadian Press