Hundreds ordered to evacuate as wildfires near Anahim Lake, B.C. spread rapidly. Residents urged to travel east to Williams Lake for safety.
Evacuation Orders Issued
Residents in the central B.C. community of Anahim Lake were ordered to evacuate early Friday morning as wildfires advanced dangerously close to homes. The Cariboo Regional District and the Ulkatcho First Nation issued the order at 6 a.m. PT, urging people to leave without delay.
Areas Impacted
About 570 residents from Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake, Dusty Lake, and Charlotte Lake were instructed to evacuate due to the Dusty Lake wildfire, which has already grown to over 53 square kilometres. Another nearby blaze, the Beef Trail Creek wildfire, has burned more than 100 square kilometres and remains active.
Where Residents Are Headed
Evacuees are being directed east along Highway 20 to Williams Lake, more than 200 kilometres away. Emergency services are available at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, with additional support, including hotel accommodations, being arranged in Prince George and Kamloops if necessary.
Why the Orders Were Enforced
Officials say the fast-moving fires are difficult to contain under hot and dry conditions. “We are expecting a big burning day today,” said Mikhail Elsay, fire information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service. He emphasized that evacuation decisions are made carefully and only when public safety is at risk.
How Authorities Are Responding
Emergency crews, RCMP, and local support teams are coordinating to expedite the evacuation. DriveBC has issued a travel advisory for Highway 20, warning of reduced visibility and rapidly changing conditions due to heavy smoke.
Some Residents Stay Behind
Not everyone has left the community. Ralph and Grace Terpstra, owners of the Anahim Lake Resort, said they feel confident in staying, citing water pumps, generators, and nearby lakes as backup safety measures. Their property is also hosting night-shift firefighters resting between shifts. Still, authorities caution that those who stay do so at their own risk.
Looking Ahead
The B.C. Wildfire Service has warned that both the Dusty Lake and Beef Trail Creek fires could grow significantly over the weekend. With roughly 1,500 residents in Anahim Lake and surrounding communities, officials stress the importance of following evacuation orders.
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