File photo (Image Credit: Facebook / Scott Nelson).

By Aaron Schulze

River Valley Wildfire

River Valley wildfire in Williams Lake being held but area still closed to the public

Jul 23, 2024 | 11:09 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — The River Valley wildfire threatening the city of Williams Lake is being held by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

In an update Tuesday (July 23) morning, the BCWS says the 40-hectare fire is projected to remain within its current perimeter.

“Ground crews have completed a 20-foot wetline around the perimeter and will push deeper into the fire’s edge up to 50 feet and continue mopping up,” BCWS states. “Mop up is when ground crews look for remaining hot spots and then extinguish them with water or soil. Danger tree assessments and falling will continue as required to ensure there is a safe worksite for ground crews to work in the area.”

In response, the City of Williams Lake states public and recreational water use on Williams Lake has resumed and Mackenzie Avenue in the city has reopened.

However, the city says the River Valley is an active emergency response area and is closed to the public. Flaggers will be stationed at the River Valley entrance at Mackenzie Avenue and Comer Street, and at the Station House Gallery.

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The fire is suspected to be human caused as a windstorm knocked a power line onto trees on the edge of Williams Lake Sunday.