The city of Williams Lake has activated its emergency operations centre at a level three in response to the wildfire in the Williams Lake River Valley Sunday, July 21.
An evacuation alert has been issued for properties from Highway 20 on Mackenzie Avenue at the ‘Y’ intersection to the Jackpine Sawmill Access Road on Mackenzie Avenue near Atlantic Power’s Williams Lake plant, noted a news release from the city Sunday evening.
Later Sunday evening the city also declared a state of local emergency due to the fire.
Crews are on scene, including multiple air support services.
At this point the suspected cause is under investigation.
The RCMP are asking the public to please avoid the area if at all possible. An Emergency Support Services Centre has been established at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
The city is working alongside the BC Wildfire Service and other emergency organizations to support fire operations from its EOC and will provide updates as they become available.
Residents are also asked to restrict water usage to allow for adequate supply for emergency crews.
In a post on social media, Mayor Surinderpal Rathor encouraged residents to remain calm.
"Stay strong Williams Lake. We will get through this together," he noted.
