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