Preparations underway to welcome more B.C. wildfire evacuees home

Jul 25, 2017 | 10:29 AM

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — The mayor of Williams Lake, B.C., says the city is ready to welcome thousands of residents home, as soon as fire officials give the okay.

About 10,000 residents of the Interior city were forced to leave more than a week ago when flames from several wildfires threatened to cut highway access.

Mayor Walt Cobb says some people have since been allowed back in to help get grocery stores, the hospital and other services ready for the looming re-entry.

Regional districts make decisions to lift or impose evacuation orders, with advice from wildfire and emergency officials.