Hundreds ordered to evacuate as wildfires burn around Anahim Lake in central B.C.

Wildfires continue to threaten communities in central B.C., with the latest evacuation orders affecting residents in Anahim Lake. As the fires along Highway 20, north and east of Bella Coola, intensify, the Cariboo Regional District and the Ulkatcho First Nation have issued evacuation orders for several areas.

The Dusty Lake wildfire, spanning over 53 square kilometres, prompted the evacuation of approximately 570 people from Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake, Dusty Lake, and Charlotte Lake. Evacuees are advised to travel east along Highway 20 to reach the emergency service centre in Williams Lake, more than 200 kilometres away.

For those low on power or data, CBC Lite provides a convenient way to stay updated on the latest wildfire news. The evacuation orders were issued early in the morning, and evacuees are gradually arriving at the emergency centre in Williams Lake. If evacuees have any questions, they can contact the emergency centre at 1-866-759-4977.

Despite the evacuation orders, some residents of Anahim Lake, like Ralph and Grace Terpstra, have chosen to stay behind. With adequate preparations in place, including water pumps, generators, and boats for emergency evacuation, they feel confident in weathering the wildfires.

Meanwhile, firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the fires, with challenging conditions expected due to hot and dry weather. An interactive map of the evacuation zones is available on the Cariboo Regional District website for residents to stay informed.

Anahim Lake, home to around 1,500 residents, is facing the threat of wildfires, with efforts underway to protect the community. The BC Wildfire Service continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to heed evacuation orders for their safety. Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving wildfire situation in central B.C.