By Doug Collins

New evacuation order in the Cariboo even as Williams Lake residents return

Jul 28, 2017 | 6:13 AM

KAMLOOPS — Officials are encouraging residents in the Cariboo region, that has been hard-hit by fires, to sign up for an electronic notification system so they can receive emails or text messages the moment an evacuation order is issued.

Thousands of people who were forced out of their homes by wildfires nearing Williams Lake, B-C, may be allowed to head home, but officials warn the fire season is far from over.

Fire information officer Kevin Skrepnek says as hot, dry and windy conditions persist, residents can’t become complacent and remember an evacuation alert remains in place, meaning they could suddenly have to leave again.

Worsening conditions led officials to expand an evacuation order for a rural area west of Quesnel yesterday evening not long after regional officials issued a wind warning for the Cariboo.

The order effected properties 4 kilometers west of Marmot Lake in the Clisbako area west of Quesnel.  

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An expanded evactuation alert was also extended in the Blackwater River area about 100 kilometers west of Quesnel. 

Meanwhile a number of people remained evacuated near Monte Lake  after a 150 hectare wildfire believed to be caused by a cigarette tossed out of a car, flared up Wednesday night.

Last night, the size of the blaze was still listed at 150 hectares and was 30 percent contained.

At least some homes and buildings have been impacted by the blaze, but the number hasn’t been confirmed at this point. Evacuation alerts and orders remain in place. 

Another fire flared up yesterday on the Chase-Falkland Road, but no details have been released so far. It’s believed to be about one hectare in size and located about 10 kilometers southeast of Skimikin.

The fire near Whitecroft on the Heffley-Louis Creek Road has grown a bit since yesterday. It’s just under 2 hectares in size. Wildfire Information Officer Justine Hunse says crews have been doing a good job on the blaze, and it’s still a ways away from structures.

The Elephant Hill fire near Ashcroft has now grown to 67,700 hectares because of wind activity the past couple of days.

It’s still only 30 percent contained.

Crews conducted some back burns yesterday and worked overnight to strengthen the fire guards.

More controlled burns are planned to protect Cache Creek.

In addition, the area around Hihium Lake has seen active fire growth burning towards structures, and crews are to build guards there, but wind activity has made it dangerous in some areas, and crews have had to be cautious getting into the area.