Air tankers rumbled past businesses and homes in Williams Lake Monday morning as a collective effort was underway to safeguard the city from an out-of-control wildfire. Crews from across the province have been arriving to assist, drawing comparisons to a similar situation in 2017. Firefighting teams from Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon, Barriere, Blackpool, 100 Mile House, and beyond have converged on the scene to offer support.
Members of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) worked through the night on the ground, monitoring the fire after air support was grounded Sunday night. Trees were seen candling in the river valley at 3 a.m. and again Monday morning, as the fire shifted away from downtown and towards the other side of the valley, where there is steep forest and homes further south.
A helicopter has been bucketing water on hot spots as the fire slowly climbs up the valley. Air tankers also dropped fire retardant to hamper the fire earlier, according to the city’s Chief Administrative Officer Gary Muraca.
“We are hitting it hard,” Muraca stated, stepping out of an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) meeting at the fire hall to update Black Press Media Monday morning. “All the groups including the Williams Lake Fire Department and all the other departments as well as the search and rescue and the province, came in and hammered it fast. You just look at how well it was coordinated, and it’s just amazing. I think if the weather cooperates we’ll be in a good position to get all the right staff in place to ensure we stay safe.”
Severe Storm Warning
Environment Canada issued a severe storm warning for Williams Lake at 10:58 a.m. In the meantime, Muraca mentioned that the city would assess the river valley for damage. Known for its slope stability issues, the valley has seen significant water usage to fight the fire as it approached Mackenzie Avenue. The river valley also houses the city’s sewage treatment system, and staff will be inspecting that infrastructure as well as the valley bridges.
CN Rail is currently on hold, as its tracks run parallel to Mackenzie Avenue at the top of the valley. “We are not supportive of CN running their trains through the city right now,” Muraca said.
Fire Impact and Response
On Sunday night, 50 percent of one unoccupied structure was lost to the fire, but no other buildings were affected, thanks to the efforts of firefighters. “They had a line drawn in the sand at Mackenzie Avenue … the RCMP … the fire crews … the bombers coming through town. I don’t think that many people realize how close it came. This was due to the hard work and professionalism of everybody who was doing the work out there and they should be appreciated for all their work,” Muraca added.
The City of Williams Lake declared a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) as of 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21, due to the wildfire in the Williams Lake River Valley. Earlier in the evening, the city activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Level 3 and declared an evacuation alert for residents along Mackenzie Avenue. The evacuation alert area was later expanded to include residents on the west side of the city, including Country Club Boulevard, Fairview Drive, Tolko’s Lakeview Mill, Woodland Drive, and all of Westridge Drive.
Initial Fire Outbreak
At about 5:45 p.m. Sunday, fire crews rushed to battle the aggressive wildfire that erupted in the tinder-dry river valley and quickly spread up to Mackenzie Avenue, threatening local businesses. Rob Warnock, director of the EOC, believes the fire was started when a tree fell on a power line in the river valley. Strong winds quickly fanned the flames, and the blaze has now grown to an estimated 40 hectares in size.
Members of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and Williams Lake Fire Department (WLFD), along with support from the Wildwood and 150 Mile volunteer fire departments, responded to the fire. During the early moments of the fire, members of the Williams Lake RCMP conducted tactical evacuations as a precaution. There are currently no evacuation orders.
Continued Efforts
Air support from the BCWS was quick to assist, with air tankers and helicopters fighting the blaze until almost dark. The conditions have been extremely hot, dry, and windy, with thick smoke, and some black plumes highly visible from all areas of town. Several explosions were heard when the fire reached Mackenzie Avenue, and there are reports of vehicles being burned.
Williams Lake RCMP are asking residents to continue to stay away from Mackenzie Avenue and surrounding areas, which have since been blocked off at Highway 20. Declaring a local state of emergency allows the city to undertake emergency measures to respond to and limit any damages to health, safety, and property.
In a late-night news release, the city noted it is continuing to work with all relevant agencies, including the RCMP and the BC Wildfire Service, providing necessary support. Residents are asked to follow directions from the RCMP and conserve as much water as possible by turning off lawn sprinklers or field irrigation to ensure an adequate water supply for emergency crews.
This story will continue to be updated as the event unfolds.
