Image Credit: CFJC Today / File

By Dave Barry / Canadian Press

Wildfires

Highway 97 reopens but 100 Mile House Evacuation Alert remains in place

Jul 15, 2021 | 1:37 PM

WILLIAMS LAKE – The Flat Lake wildfire has grown to 8,725 hectares and is continuing to move east towards Highway 97 in the Cariboo.

Despite the growth, officials have reopened the main highway through the Cariboo. However motorists are being warned Highway 97 may be closed again on short notice because of the approaching fire.

The BC Wildfire Service says it has employed heavy equipment to establish guards and is connecting the guards to natural fuel breaks such as roads and lakes. Helicopters are being used to reach areas that are difficult for ground crews to access.

In addition, structural protection specialists are also setting up devices to protect homes and buildings in the area.

With winds in the forecast, the fire is expected to grow larger today (July 15).

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The District of 100 Mile House remains on an Evacuation Alert. And the Evacuation Order that was issued Tuesday evening for more than 1,000 properties south of 100 Mile House, remains in place.

100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall says volunteer firefighters working around the region this year, are largely comprised of the same group that fought the 2017 blazes, and have used that experience in this latest battle.

He says his community has faced adversity since the 2017 fires, including a mill shutdown and COVID-19, but residents are resilient.

With winds in the forecast, the fire is expected to grow larger today (July 15). However Environment Canada is predicting cooler conditions with a 60% chance of precipitation tomorrow.