Felker Fire grows to 900 hectares near Williams Lake as evacuations ordered

The newly discovered Felker Fire grew rapidly to about 900 hectares by the end of Thursday, prompting evacuation orders in the area near Williams Lake, B.C.

The fire is visible from Williams Lake, about a 30-minute drive away. The city was not under an evacuation alert or order late Thursday, but activated its Emergency Operations Centre as a precaution.

The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex has been opened for people needing emergency support services. Coun. Scott Nelson said some residents were already choosing to leave because of the concern over the fire.

Nelson said shifting winds were a major concern, particularly if they turned back toward Williams Lake. He said the situation has revived memories of the 2017 Plateau Complex Fire, when 19 fires merged over two months north of the city and created what became B.C.'s second-largest wildfire.

The city said the emergency operations centre activation is intended to ensure it can respond if conditions change.