Progress on the three main wildfires surrounding Williams Lake today as well.
“The White Lake fire, the one that is a concern for the Williams Lake area, it is quite large at around 2,800 hectares but it is at about 60% containment,” says Noelle Kekula, Fire Information Officer for the Central Cariboo. She’s referring to the fire that prompted the evacuation alert. “We’ve made a lot of progress on the south and east flanks that were bringing the fire towards Williams Lake.”
Kekula says residents may see a big plume of smoke on the west side of the Fraser River today. She says there is no need to panic, the fire has not jumped the line, it is a purposely done controlled burn. Lake City residents may also see smoke and flames to the east as well.
“The fire has not escaped or breached the containment. These are our crews purposely using fire to strengthen our containment so if you see fire and increased smoke in the community today don’t panic that is being purposely done today.”
The 150 Mile fire remains at 2,600 hectares and is now 50% contained while the Wildwood fire, to the north of Williams Lake, is still around 2,500 hectares in size and is now 40% contained.
There was some fear that the 150 Mile and Wildwood wildfires could join.
Kekula says there is still roughly three kilometres separating the two.