Waterbombers and wildfire crews have been dispatched to Williams Lake, where a blaze erupted Sunday.
Flames are being reported in the southwestern side of the community, with people in the city saying they jumped into an industrial part of town.
The city says the fire is burning in the Williams Lake River Valley area.
Reports suggest the fire was started by a tree that fell on a power line, though nothing has been confirmed by the BC Wildfire Service, which has listed the blaze as being 10 hectares in size.
The service says the fire is “out of control,” meaning it “is spreading or it is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter, or control line.”
Images shared with CityNews show aircraft dropping fire retardant and water on buildings within Williams Lake.
Thick, black smoke is also seen rising from some buildings.
— Charlie Carey (@careycharlie_) July 22, 2024
Locals report that officials are going door to door to alert people to evacuate or be ready to evacuate their homes, if necessary.
The City of Williams Lake says its Emergency Operations Centre has been activated at Level 3 in response to the River Valley wildfire.
Evacuation alerts are being issued for properties between Highway 20 and Mackenzie Avenue to the Jackpine Sawmill Access Road on Mackenzie Avenue near Atlantic Power’s Williams Lake plant.
People are being urged to avoid the area and to conserve as much water as possible to “ensure adequate water supply for emergency crews working on the wildfire in the Williams Lake River Valley.”
“The City is working alongside the BC Wildfire Service and other emergency organizations to support fire operations from its EOC and will provide updates as they become available,” officials wrote Sunday.
A wildfire in Williams Lake prompted a large reponse Sunday, with flames jumping into an industrial area of town on July 21, 2024. (Submitted)
The new fire comes as much of the province continues to deal with hot and dry conditions. Williams Lake and its surrounding areas are currently under a heat warning, with Environment and Climate Change Canada saying “elevated temperatures are expected.”
“An extended period of high temperatures will continue as a ridge of high pressure remains over the region. Little relief is expected at night with elevated overnight temperatures,” ECCC’s warning reads.
CityNews has reached out to the BC Wildfire Service for more information.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.