A fire at Pioneer Log Homes near Williams Lake required four fire departments to extinguish. Read more on the heroic efforts and updates on the investigation.
A fire of monumental proportions erupted at a log cabin business near Williams Lake, requiring a concerted effort from multiple fire departments. The flames, visible from the highway, ravaged a yard at the Pioneer Log Homes construction site, forcing firefighters to battle the blaze for nearly 12 hours.
The fire was reported around noon on Monday, with the 150 Mile Volunteer Fire Department taking immediate action to control the situation. Firefighters were met with a massive wall of flames—estimated to be 100 feet high and 600 feet long—as they worked tirelessly to suppress the fire and protect the surrounding areas.
Williams Lake Official Documents Intensity of the Blaze
Williams Lake Councillor Scott Nelson was an eyewitness to the harrowing scene and described it as a “massive wall of flames” visible from a distance. Nelson noted that the situation could have escalated even further, but thanks to the quick response of the fire departments, the damage was kept to a minimum.
“It could have been 10 times worse,” Nelson reflected, emphasizing how close the fire came to causing widespread destruction.
Firefighters’ Unyielding Efforts Contain the Fire
After nearly 12 hours of relentless work, the fire was finally contained and extinguished just before midnight. Roger Hollander, the fire chief, confirmed that the fire was restricted to a pile of logs and did not cause any structural damage or injuries. Despite the challenging conditions, including high winds and scorching temperatures, the efforts of the fire departments were nothing short of heroic.
“We’re extremely proud of the dedication shown by these mostly volunteer fire departments,” said Hollander. “It was a hot day, and the wind made things even more difficult, but they gave it everything they had.”
Investigation Underway: Possible Human-Caused Fire
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though B.C. Wildfire Service has indicated that it is likely to be human-caused. The owner of Pioneer Log Homes, Bryan Reid, clarified that the fire did not originate on his property. However, he expressed deep gratitude to the first responders who successfully contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to the rest of the property.
“We’re thankful for all the hard work that was put in by the responders,” Reid told CTV News. “They stopped this fire from destroying our business.”
Pioneer Log Homes Staff Stay Vigilant After Fire
In the aftermath of the fire, staff members at Pioneer Log Homes worked late into the night, ensuring that nearby logs were moved and that the fire didn’t reignite. The company posted a heartfelt message on social media, praising the dedication and teamwork of all those involved.
“Pioneer Log Homes is deeply grateful for everyone’s dedication and outstanding teamwork during this challenging time,” the post read.
Cariboo District Implements New Burning Restrictions
As a result of the fire, the Cariboo district is now entering a Category 2 and 3 prohibition, which bans several outdoor burning activities. This includes fireworks, burn barrels, and certain types of incinerators. However, small campfires under half a metre in height and width are still permitted for the time being.
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