B.C. fires: Homes destroyed in Puntzi Lake wildfire near Williams Lake
Dozens more properties at risk as uncontrolled wildfire burns in the province's Cariboo region
Multiple homes have been destroyed by an aggressive wildfire burning northwest of Puntzi Lake, about 300 kilometres north of Vancouver in B.C.'s Cariboo region.
The Cariboo Regional District said Saturday that a resort, two permanent homes, a seasonal home and multiple outbuildings on four properties were confirmed lost in the fire west of the small town of Williams Lake.
With the wildfire growing rapidly, an evacuation order along Puntzi Lake was expanded Saturday afternoon for the third time in three days.
When first reported on Wednesday, the fire was estimated at five square kilometres. That more than doubled to 12 square kilometres on Friday. But by mid-afternoon Saturday, officials said the fire had grown to six times that size, or 70 square kilometres. It is zero per cent contained.
The Wildfire Management Branch describes it as a Rank 4 or 5 wildfire, meaning it may cause trees to candle and can spread by crowning or jumping through tree tops.
The expanded evacuation order now includes approximately 90 properties around the lake, as well as an expanded evacuation zone to the north.
An evacuation alert has been issued for another 183 properties to the north and south of the evacuation zone.
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The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) says it is working with the Tsi Del Del First Nation's 300 residents who have also been impacted by the fire.
An emergency social services reception centre has been set up at the CRD offices in Williams lake.
Puntzi Lake evacuation and alert areas
A total of 102 firefighters, four helicopters, two air tankers and nine pieces of heavy equipment are currently working the fire.
Wildfire management says fire crews are attempting to build new containment lines on the east side of the fire and are establishing "structural protection units" to try and prevent further damage to property.