Yesterday evening, the City of Williams Lake declared a State of Local Emergency due to wildfire activity, issuing an evacuation alert for residents along Mackenzie Avenue, later expanding to include Country Club Boulebard, Fairview Drive, Tolko’s Lakeview Mill, Woodland Drive and Westridge Drive. Tactical evacuations were conducted as a precaution, and long-term care (LTC) and assisted living (AL) providers were in contact with Interior Health to prepare for potential evacuations. Transportation resources remained on standby in Williams Lake overnight.
Although the risk has decreased, the fire remains active, and protective measures are in place along Mackenzie Avenue. The following long-term care and assisted living home in Williams Lake are in planning discussions for evacuation:
- Deni House, Interior Health (26 LTC residents)
- Cariboo Place, AgeCare (39 LTC residents)
- Williams Lake Seniors Village, West Coast Seniors Housing Management (211 LTC and AL residents)
Residents evacuated from Ashcroft are currently settled in Salmon Arm and will remain there for the time being.
BC Care Providers Association thanks Interior Health, as well as emergency services, first responders and LTC and AL providers in the Interior, for their diligent efforts in ensuring the evacuation preparedness of LTC and AL residents in the area.
BCCPA will continue to provide updates as they arise. For resources for LTC and AL operators, please see BCCPA’s 2024 Emergency Preparedness Resource Database here.
