An aerial image taken by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) Monday, July 22 shows the extent of damage caused by the Williams Lake River Valley wildfire that continues to threaten the city. The fire is estimated at 40 hectares and is still considered out of control by the BCWS. The city is reporting, however, that crews are making significant progress on the fire. Evan Dean, director of protective services, said the Williams Lake Fire Department (WLFD), in coordination with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), as well as support from numerous other structural and wildland crews, gained ground containing Sunday’s fire. “Currently, crews are working on securing perimeter lines, as well as extinguishing hot spots,” Dean said. “Out of an abundance of caution, alerts remain in effect for the Mackenzie Avenue, Woodland, Westridge and Country Club areas, due to potential spotting or reignition cause by extreme weather.”
Additional coverage in the Castanet by Madison Reeve: B.C Wildfire Service reports the wildfire is classified as out of control
Victoria Times Colonist, by Canadian Press: Tactical evacuations, water use warnings issued as wildfire threatens Williams Lake
Black Press, by Angie Mindus: ‘We’re hitting it hard’: Crews fight Williams Lake wildfire from air, ground