Evacuation order lifted for Williams Lake, but wind warning cause for concern

WILLIAMS LAKE (NEWS 1130) – As thousands prepare for their return, the BC Wildfire Service says a wind warning has been issued for the Cariboo Fire Centre.

Some areas are at risk of wind gusts up to 40 km/h. There is also a chance of thunderstorms, which could bring wind gusts between 60 to 70 km/h.

According to the BCWS, winds of this speed will cause an increase in fire behaviour and can cause unstable trees to come down.

Meanwhile, more than 10,000 people from Williams Lake have gotten the news that they get to go home, nearly two weeks after leaving because of raging wildfires.

Cariboo Regional District chair Al Richmond says people returning need to consider the area has been profoundly changed.

“The services you’re used to relying on may be limited for some time. Bring some basic necessities with you to last you for up to seven days including food and prescriptions. The establishment of essential services such as the hospital, ambulance service, grocery stores and fuel stations has begun,” says Richmond.

People are encouraged to consider that air quality remains poor and an evacuation alert is still in place for the area, meaning people could be forced to leave again with little warning.

“Multiple, large, uncontained fires burning throughout the Cariboo region –a real clear and present danger that is still a factor in many areas,” says Kevin Skrepnek with the BC Wildfire Service.

Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb says people still need be ready to leave with little notice, but is welcoming everyone home.

“And please be as orderly in your return as you were during the evacuation.”

The RCMP also warns not all areas of the Cariboo Regional District have been downgraded.

Staff Sergeant Annie Linteau says checkpoints have been set up at key entry points into the city.

“To avoid congestion and allow local residents and business owners to have the opportunity to settle back in, please do not return to the area until Evacuation Orders have been rescinded in your communities,” Mounties say in a release.

Officers have been carrying out regular patrols of the evacuated areas, and are encouraging those with any concerns or any issues to contact police.

Across BC, 148 fires are currently burning, including 14 new starts.

The BC Wildfire Service has spent $154 million fighting 794 since April 1st, and the total land already destroyed is close to 380,000 hectares.

Emergency Management BC estimates between 19 and 20,000 people are still on evacuation order, but adds the numbers are constantly being updated.

Despite best efforts to keep people safe and away from dangerous areas, police confirm charges have been approved against two hikers who defied orders to stay out of the fire zone in the Cariboo.

Linteau says they had to be rescued from Tweedsmuir Park on Tuesday.

“They were extracted by helicopter with the assistance of the BC Wildfire Service and the BC Parks staff. Upon rescue, BC Parks and Wildfire Service staff had to finish extinguishing a campfire that the two hikers were using during the previous evening.”

She says the rescued hikers, who admitted they knew the area was closed due to extreme wildfire hazard, have now been fined more than $1,200.