UPDATE (7/26/24 at 8:56 AM): Today, the 21 residents from Cariboo Place long-term care in Williams Lake will be returning home in the afternoon. Read more here.
UPDATE (7/25/24 at 9:12 AM): Due to fire-related impacts in New Denver, Interior Health is relocating 28 residents from the Pavilion long-term care home to other locations away from the area. Read more here.
UPDATE (7/23/24 at 1:32 PM): With the fire situation in Williams Lake stabilized, Interior Health is beginning to plan repatriating Cariboo Place residents. Repatriation will occur gradually and carefully to ensure appropriate staffing and resources are in place when residents return to home. Read more here.
UPDATE (7/23/24 at 8:28 AM): In response to the River Valley wildfire, Interior Health is relocating 21 residents from Cariboo Place (AgeCare) as a precautionary measure. Families of residents can call 778-417-0275 or 780-399-6570 for further information.
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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.
