City of Williams Lake declares local state of emergency as wildfire approaches

By declaring a state of local emergency, the City stated it can undertake “emergency measures to respond to and limit any damages to health, safety and property.” Residents were asked to avoid the Williams Lake River Valley.

“The City is continuing to work with all relevant agencies, including RCMP, the BC Wildfire Service, and is providing support as necessary,” the City stated. “If you are approached by the RCMP please follow their direction. Fire crews are on scene including support from air tankers and helicopters.”

As of Sunday evening, the out-of-control River Valley wildfire is measured at 20 hectares in size, according to the BC Wildfire Service’s online map. The suspected cause is currently under investigation.

“Dry and warm conditions over the past several weeks, along with increased winds this afternoon influenced the fire behaviour to display rank 3 and rank 4 fire behaviour,” the wildfire service states.

The fire was discovered just before 6 p.m. Sunday in the River Valley Park Trails just west of the city and spread quickly.

Residents are also being asked to conserve as much water as possible and turn off any lawn watering or field irrigation to ensure water supply for crews responding to the wildfire.

by Aaron Schulze - CFJC Today

City of Williams Lake declares local state of emergency as wildfire approaches

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