Wildfire forces Williams Lake to declare emergency

UPDATE:

The City of Williams Lake has declared a state of emergency effective Sunday, July 21 at 9:30 p.m. due to a wildfire in the Williams Lake River Valley.

Earlier in the evening, the city activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to Level 3 and issued an evacuation warning for residents along Mackenzie Avenue. The city has now expanded the evacuation warning area to include residents on the west side of the city on Country Club Boulevard, Fairview Drive, Tolko’s Lakeview Mill, Woodland Drive and all of Westridge Drive.

Earlier on Sunday, around 5:45 p.m., firefighters responded to an aggressive wildfire that broke out in the bone-dry river valley and quickly spread to Mackenzie Avenue, threatening local businesses.

Rob Warnock, director of the EOC, said the fire was believed to have started when a tree fell on a power line in the river valley. Strong winds quickly fanned the flames.

The fire is estimated to be 20 hectares in size.

Members of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and Williams Lake Fire Department (WLFD) responded to the fire along with the Wildwood and 150 Mile volunteer fire departments. During the initial moments of the fire, Williams Lake RCMP members conducted tactical evacuations as a precaution. There are currently no evacuation orders.

Air support from the BCWS quickly arrived with firefighting aircraft, followed by helicopters, which fought the fire until almost dark.

Conditions were extremely hot, dry and windy. Thick smoke, with some black plumes, was clearly visible from all parts of the city. There is currently no information on how many buildings were lost.

The Williams Lake RCMP are asking residents to stay away from Mackenzie Avenue and surrounding areas. They have closed the road at Highway 20. Stay away.

Crews are working throughout the night on several fire sites in the Williams Lake River Valley.

By declaring a state of emergency, the city can take emergency measures to limit any potential harm to health, safety, and property.

In a press release late tonight, the city said it continues to work with all relevant agencies, including the RCMP and the BC Wildfire Service, and will provide support as needed.

“If you are approached by the RCMP, please follow their instructions.”

The EOC is open all night.

The city is asking residents to conserve water as much as possible and turn off all lawn sprinklers and field irrigation so that there is enough water available for emergency services.