The Felker Fire, newly discovered Thursday, expanded rapidly throughout the day to a size of 900 hectares by day’s end. Visible from Williams Lake, which is about a half-hour drive away, it has prompted evacuation orders in the immediate area. Williams Lake was not under an evacuation alert or order late Thursday, but activated its Emergency Operations Centre. The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in that city has been opened for those who need emergency support services. But the anxiety is high, with some people leaving proactively. “I ran into four or five people today even on our street that were packing up and just leaving because of the concern of what’s taking place right now,” Williams Lake Coun. Scott Nelson told CTV News during an interview on Thursday. “It’s concerning and people feel it. It heightens a significant awareness to them — it scares people.” During the interview, Nelson commented on the direction and power of the wind. “It’s ever-changing,” Nelson said. “Just right now, the wind is changing direction. It’s coming back toward, and that’s the biggest concern. If it backlashes toward Williams Lake, we’ve got some big problems.” Nelson mentioned the fire has evoked memories of the 2017 Plateau Complex Fire — in which 19 wildfires merged over a period of two months, burning 60 kilometres north of Williams Lake. That was the second-largest fire in B.C.’s history. Williams Lake has posted a statement on its website stating that the activation of its emergency operations centre is precautionary, but will allow it to be ready if the situation changes.
