Evacuation alert lifted for Williams Lake, B.C.; wildfire being held
A wildfire that broke out in Williams Lake, B.C., is being held and an evacuation alert for residents has been lifted, according to an update from officials Tuesday.
The River Valley Wildfire, which broke out Sunday evening and triggered tactical evacuations is no longer burning out of control, the city said in a statement, adding that crews made "significant progress" Monday.
"Due to a diminished risk of danger to life safety and property, the City of Williams Lake is lifting the evacuation alert," a spokesperson wrote Tuesday afternoon.
People are, however, being asked to stay away from the active fire zone.
“There is a lot of work still happening down there,” said Ashley Williston, with the city's emergency operations centre in a statement. “Crews are working on and monitoring hot spots, and we will be continuing to monitor the area moving forward, as well as starting to conduct danger, geotechnical and environmental assessments. We can’t stress this enough: people need to stay out of the River Valley as it is not safe at this time.”
The blaze is estimated at 40 hectares, and demonstrating "minimal behaviour," according to the BC Wildfire Service. Crews have established a 20-foot "wetline" around the fire's perimeter and are mopping up.
"Danger tree assessments and falling will continue as required to ensure there is a safe worksite for ground crews to work in the area. Aircraft will continue to be available to support, if required," the update on the BCWS website says.
Interior Health, in an update of its own, said a total of 21 residents of care homes were moved out of the community Monday night but that the situation has "stabilized" and no further evacuations are planned. Those who had to move will be brought back to their homes "gradually and carefully," the health authority said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7028745.1725663146!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Pakistani citizen arrested in Canada, charged with plotting terrorist attack in New York
A Pakistani citizen who resided in Canada has been charged with plotting a terrorist attack at a Jewish centre in New York City.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon, according to multiple sources.
Woman who was denied a liver transplant, after review highlighted alcohol use, has died
Questions are being raised about the case of a 36-year-old Ontario woman who died of liver failure after she was rejected for a life-saving liver transplant after a medical review highlighted her prior alcohol use.
Montreal man given $664 fine for tying dog to parking meter while grabbing a croissant
A Montreal man who tied his dog to a parking meter while he entered a bakery is now facing a hefty fine for breaking a law he had no idea existed.
Canada-wide warrant issued for woman in fatal Toronto shooting
A 36-year-old woman is wanted for first-degree murder following a shooting near an after-hours club in Toronto earlier this month.
Molson Coors ends diversity, equity and inclusion policies, moves to 'broader view'
Brewing company Molson Coors says it is dropping its diversity, equity and inclusion policies and taking a 'broader view' in which all employees know they are welcome.
Selena Gomez is a billionaire
Selena Gomez can now add becoming a billionaire to her long list of achievements.
Teen girl charged with attempted murder after student set on fire at Saskatoon high school
A 14-year-old girl faces an attempted murder charge after a 15-year-old girl was doused in a flammable substance and set on fire at a Saskatoon high school Thursday.
Victim of Vancouver stranger attacks had surgery to reattach severed hand: police
The surviving victim of a pair of stranger attacks in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday has undergone surgery to reattach his hand after it was severed in the assault, according to police.