Within Williams Lake and neighbouring communities, there is clear desire to avoid the risk and threat caused by the 2017 wildfires that resulted in region-wide evacuations.
Taking action to protect our homes and communities from future wildfires is a top priority, requiring actions at many levels.
The Williams Lake Community Wildfire Protection Plan, developed by professionals, identifies high-priority actions that each resident can undertake to ‘FireSmart’ their property, and work that can be done by communities, the province, and forestry companies to reduce the threat.
Undertaking these coordinated actions will help slow wildfires by reducing the fire intensity when they approach communities in the future. Embers will have less energy carrying them aloft, and will find less flammable fuels when they land on or near homes.
As you drive, bike or walk around Williams Lake, there are many examples where work has occurred since 2010.
Flammable forest fuels have been removed as a key tool to reduce the risk of damaging fires.
Whether you are strolling the lands around Nesika School, biking on the Westside trails or flying out of the airport, you will see forest lands with fewer trees, less undergrowth and few branches to help stop the fire from climbing up the trees to the canopy.
Further work is planned within and around the City of Williams Lake and many communities in the Cariboo Regional District.
Many organizations and companies are involved in planning and undertaking this work in addition to the City of Williams Lake.