An aerial image taken by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) Monday, July 22 shows the extent of damage caused by the Williams Lake River Valley wildfire that continues to threaten the city.
The fire is estimated at 40 hectares and is still considered out of control by the BCWS.
The city is reporting, however, that crews are making significant progress on the fire.
Evan Dean, director of protective services, said the Williams Lake Fire Department (WLFD), in coordination with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), as well as support from numerous other structural and wildland crews, gained ground containing Sunday’s fire.
“Currently, crews are working on securing perimeter lines, as well as extinguishing hot spots,” Dean said. “Out of an abundance of caution, alerts remain in effect for the Mackenzie Avenue, Woodland, Westridge and Country Club areas, due to potential spotting or reignition cause by extreme weather.”
In a video update, EOC director Rob Warnock said residents can expect to see activity on Woodland Drive Monday night and Tuesday as crews put structural protection on homes in the area. Woodland Drive is in the city limits but does not have water services.
"I would ask everyone to remain calm. They will come door-to-door when they get a chance and let you know what's going on," said Warnock.
He also reminds residents to stay off Williams Lake as emergency aircraft will be utilizing lake water for fire fighting.
As predicted, an intense thunderstorm swept over the city Monday late afternoon. BCWS is responding to a couple reports of fire starts due to lightning just north of town.
Mackenzie Avenue will be open from Highway 20 to Yorston Street. Yorston Street to Boundary Street will remain closed throughout the evening. Transport vehicles are asked to use the Highway 97 corridor to access Mackenzie Avenue North.
Earlier Monday, Gary Muraca, the city's CAO, told Black Press Media that they have stopped CN Rail from operating in the city as they check the slope stability in the river valley.
