A helicopter with the BC Wildfire Service flies above the river valley Monday afternoon. (Angie Mindus photo)

Update: Fire on east side of Williams Lake River Valley under control

BC Wildfire Service fought the blaze from the air and ground

Update: BC Wildfire Service has classified this fire as under control.

Original story: An airtanker, helicopters and ground crews are responding to a fire on the east side of the Williams Lake River Valley Monday afternoon (July 12).

A bird dog could be seen guiding the airtanker just after 2 p.m. where a haze of smoke could be seen from MacKenzie Avenue in Williams Lake, looking down the river valley.

Jessica Mack of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) confirmed the fire is about one hectare in size and has already been actioned by an air

tanker. A helicopter is on site as are ground crews.

City councillor Scott Nelson was travelling in the area and captured footage of the fire, which he said was a few hundred feet off Soda Creek Road at six mile.

He noted strong winds in the area, adding residents should in general be aware of the current conditions.

“I really encourage everyone to be extra, extra careful and prepared. These are unpredictable times,” Nelson told the Tribune.

Mack reminds the public the area is now an active worksite.

“Please refrain from going to check out the fire,” she said.

Williams Lake is currently under a heat warning.


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Williams Lake Tribune