BC Wildfire Service continues to action the Burgess Creek Wildfire that was discovered last Saturday afternoon (April 20)

Fire Information Officer at the Cariboo Fire Centre Jeromy Corrigan said crews of over 125 remain on site as well as heavy equipment and air support, and had this update.

“There has been minimal growth on the fire yesterday (Thursday) and the fire behaviour has decreased due to favourable weather. Now the primary goal moving forward is to continue to secure the perimetre of the fire and prevent further spread.”

Corrigan said crews will continue to work on the Burgess Creek Wildfire all weekend and if they get favourable weather that will definitely help.

The Burgess Creek Wildfire is roughly 1800 hecatres in size and is located approximately 20 kilometres east of Alexandria, 45 kilometres southeast of Quesnel and 50 kilometres north of Williams Lake.

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Nine new pieces of artwork were unveiled yesterday (Thursday) afternoon at the Deni House in Williams Lake.

Following a prayer and drumming Williams Lake First Nation Chief Willie Sellars said he was very proud to be able to be a part of the opening ceremony for this Sacred Space.

“And very, very proud to be honouring the Scewepemc artist Autumn Christopher and the works he has been able to create to make this a safer place for not only our Secwepemc people but our Indigenous people throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin, and really throughout Turtle Island. Williams Lake is located in Secwepemc Territory, it's Williams Lake First Nation, but it's a hub for numerous different Nations that use it for their services.”

Artist Autumn Christopher said the nine images are suppose to represent the Secwepemc culture and what we did in our day to day life.

[caption id="attachment_96823" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo-P Matthews staff[/caption]

“One of them is the lake night divisions painting where it pictures our people fishing at night time. Another is a woman gathering during the Summer season while our men are out hunting, and another one with the animals local to our region and the significance roles they play in our day to day lives.”

[caption id="attachment_96824" align="alignnone" width="300"] Photo-P Matthews staff[/caption]

Autumn said it took about one month to create the pieces along with the help of the Elders Committee who gave him advice and gave him suggestions that he could use.

He also explained how he got involved in this project.

“I happened upon Ervine Johnson and we luckily met together when I did a sketch of him when he was a guest speaker. I just done a random sketch and he really liked it so much that he brought me onto this project for the Sacred Space.”

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SPCA's across the Cariboo will be hosting an open house on Saturday, April 27th.

The event is a great way for anyone wanting to learn more about the SPCA, but also to meet new furry friends.

Williams Lake and District Community Animal Centre Manager, Elizabeth Dighton talks about the event.

"We just want to encourage people to come up and stop by," says Dighton

"maybe spend a few minutes with some of the cats we have that are looking for homes, get a tour of the shelter, learn more of what we do up here, so we can hopefully dispel a few myths because they're still out there."

Starting today (April 25th) until May 5th, adoption fees will be 50 percent off, which Dighton says is a great opportunity for anyone interested.

At the same time, she says they're also looking for various volunteers to help with animal care, such as having one on one time with shy animals.

Quesnel SPCA will have their open house from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at 1000 Carson Pit Road, and Williams Lake and District from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at 709 Bond Lake Road.

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The Indigenous Sports Gallery at the BC Sports Hall of Fame in Vancouver can now be experienced by fans throughout the Province and around the world without ever having to leave their homes.

Earlier this month they opened the door to the world's first fully immersive digital Indigenous Sports Gallery.

Project Lead Shelby McCannel said they really wanted people to learn more about Indigenous sport and to see the amazing contributions Indigenous athletes have made.

“Over the last two to three years we've been in the process of figuring out what the digital Indigenous Sport Gallery looks like and within the last year it's been our fully development process. Going through our physical gallery and coming up with the ideas of what we wanted to include in this space and how best to make this as accessible as possible. Not everyone has the same learning styles or access to high speed internet so we wanted to make sure that every Canadian could be able to interact with this content online.”

A key feature includes a 360-degree virtual tour of the gallery with additional content not found in the physical gallery like video profiles of 14 featured athletes and honoured members as well as 3D interactive artifacts.

[caption id="attachment_96807" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo Search & Rescue Marketing Agency[/caption]

McCannel said more than 40 past and active Indigenous are featured in the Gallery including Anahim Lake's Carey Price.

“Carey is one of our featured athletes in our hockey section of our gallery so we do talk about him growing up and learning how to skate on a frozen lake behind his home and how he ended up making it to the NHL playing with the Montreal Canadiens.” McCannel said, “ We do have a few artifacts on display from him, a jersey, sticks and pads, but through the digital Indigenous Sport Gallery, we actually digitized one of his items, his goalie mask so fans on the site will be able to fully interact with that behind the glass feeling and interact digitally with the item. Turn it around, see the back, see the top, and get a different view than what you would typically be able to see in our physical space.”

The Indigenous Sports Gallery opened in 2018 at the BC Sports Hall Hall of Fame and is the largest known permanent gallery in the world containing more 1,500 square feet of exhibit space celebrating the rich history and contributions to sport by First Nations and Metis athletes, teams, coaches, builders and volunteers.

In 2019 it won Best New Exhibit in the world by the International Sports Heritage Association.

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A cyclist is making the trek to Vancouver, raising money for the BC Cancer Foundation.

Mark Camps' journey began in Prince George on Sunday, April 21st, and has continued riding south, making his way through the Cariboo.

[caption id="attachment_96791" align="alignright" width="204"] Photo - provided by Mark Camps[/caption]

Camps says he doesn't just have one person in mind when he's riding.

"There's been parents of good friends, there's been personal relatives of mine, very good neighbours at home." says Camps.

"It's not specifically for one individual, but it's kind of for everybody that's had a bit of a struggle."

While Camps had done some preparation, the consecutive longer days has put a bit of miles on the body, but goes alright once the ride starts.

From Prince George, he's gone to Quesnel, then Williams Lake, made his way to Clinton yesterday, and will now be making his way to Lillooet, Pemberton, and finally Vancouver by Friday.

Donations can be done on Camp's personal fundraising page on the BC Cancer Foundation's website here.

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An event to bring people together through dialogue and artwork to explore diverse notions of resilience in the context of Climate Change will take place early next month in Williams Lake.

Stories of Resilience Voices from across British Columbia's Interior will showcase artworks and stories of resilience reflecting on the 2017 Wildfire season.

“This has been in the making for quite sometime,” Tina Elliott, Project Lead for the Resilience Institute said, “it's a partnership between the Institute and the Canadian Red Cross. As we know there have been wildfires since 2017 that have had quite an impact on people across the Interior of BC so we certainly aimed at reflecting on the 2017 wildfire season. We asked people to reflect on all kinds of experiences and hardships that draw one to be resilient.”

Elliott said especially as we head into the summer and look to the future they want to have those opportunities for people to share what they've learned through their experiences and to learn from each other.

“For those who will be attending this event May 4^th at the Tourism Discovery Centre, they will see one of a kind artwork that compliments the stories that will be told. There will be 8 story tellers, that includes one from Williams Lake, John Dell, they all worked one on one with the Project artist to come up with these creations. We're also creating Podcasts, books, and other creative outputs so that we can share these stories, these ideas, and inspire other people.”

Elliott noted that she didn't think it was easy for the storytellers to share their stories and that she has a deep, profound respect for them.

“I did hear reflections from them over the many months we've been working on this initiative together that they were challenged to think about what story they wanted to tell and what they wanted to communicate from their experiences. Sometimes they had to pause and take a break and reflect because it is very personal. I think it takes a lot of courage for people to share their their story and that's incredibly meaningful,” Elliott said.

“Stories of Resilience” goes from noon until 5 at the Tourism Discovery Centre in Williams Lake.

It is a free event but those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP

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The Burgess Creek Wildfire 20 kilometres east of Alexandria between Quesnel and Williams Lake has grown.

Fire Information Officer at the Cariboo Fire Centre, Madison Dahl said it grew 200 hectares yesterday (Tuesday) and is now 1800 hectares in size.

Dahl said they are expecting the possibility of a few showers or at least a decrease in the temperature today (Wednesday) and the winds that came through yesterday are expected to die down for a few days.

“Despite cloud cover and the cooler conditions there is still a high chance of any open flame escaping and growing. Just because it's a bit cooler we still are seeing very dry conditions out there.”

Dahl noted that they have an increase in resources, today we have over 110 firefighters on site, we also have 16 pieces of heavy equipment and additional air support.

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Kids in Williams Lake will have help to communicate with a new board at Kiwanis Park.

The communication board gives the English and Shuswap version of different key words that would be used when at the park.

Teacher with School District 27, Ashley Merth says this came about after having one in 150 Mile.

[caption id="attachment_96774" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo - provided by the City of Williams Lake[/caption]

"After our school got one, I kept thinking how we were missing this in our one major park, Kiwanis Park." says Merth.

"I just felt like it is the main park for our community where lots of families and toddlers go, and I just kept seeing the benefits this board could have for other toddlers and young children who need communication help in the community."

Merth added this was put together with SD-27 Speech and Language Therapist, Charlotte Lundeen, the City of Williams Lake, Williams Lake First Nation, Early Childhood Development Network, and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Society, and others.

She says it would be great to have similar boards in other parks and communities to make communication more accessible to children and learners.

Merth also gave thanks to Williams Lake First Nation for providing the Shuswap words to the board to make it accessible.

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Through many years of co-creation with Tsilhqot'in Knowledge Keepers, Leaders, Matriarchs and Community members, the first public offering of this cultural awareness training will take place on May 7th in Williams Lake for organizations and individuals that work with Tsilhqot'in communities and/or members.

In a release TNG Chief Joe Alphonse stated “We know that many of the organizations and businesses that work with our people lack an understanding of our history and who we are today. there is a lot of training out there but this is the first one that outlines the lived histories and realities of the Tsilhqot'in people. If you are working with the Tsilhqot'in, this course will provide you with the insight needed to do your work in a respectful and compassionate manner.”

In the summer the TNG plans to conduct 2-day training sessions with the inclusion of an on-the-land-component.

An online training component will also be available later this year.

The Tsilhqot'in National Government said funding for this program was provided by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs in the wake of the devastating 2017 wildfires and tensions experienced between agencies operating in Tsilqot'in communities.

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The Burgess Creek Wildfire between Williams Lake and Quesnel remains at roughly 1600 hectares in size.

Fire Information Officer at the Cariboo Fire Centre, Madison Dahl said it showed minimal growth over the past 48 hours due in large part to crews on the ground and the decrease in wind gusts.

“We are expected to see a little more wind today (Tuesday) so there is the potential for the size of the wildfire to increase and fire behaviour to increase,'” Dahl said, “but we do have crews on site actioning the fire and we have additional resources en route.”

Dahl noted that they expect to see up to 125 firefighters on the Burgess Creek Wildfire this week.

Six other wildfires were reported on Saturday.

“Those wildfires are all either being held or under control. We do have crews on some of the wildfires around the Fire Centre Zones just making sure that they do stay under control or being held but we don't expect any of those fires to move beyond the current perimetre,” Dahl said.

The Burgess Creek Wildfire is approximately 20 kilometres East of Alexandria , 45 kilometres Southeast of Quesnel and 50 kilometres North of Williams Lake.

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Update (April 23rd):

RCMP confirmed that the missing 47 year old was located safe and sound.

They thank the media and public for their assistance.

Original (April 22nd):

Williams Lake RCMP is requesting the public's help in locating a missing 47-year old male.

Police said Jackie Ray Siemens was last seen at the Tim Horton's on Highway 97 in Williams Lake around midnight on Wednesday April 17th.

On Monday April 22, they received a report of a missing man

Both family and police are concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with any information about Siemens or where he might be are asked to contact the Williams Lake RCMP.

Jackie Ray Siemens is described as:

Caucasian male

5' 11” tall weighing 170 pounds

He has short brown hair, blue eyes, a fair complexion and facial stubble

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The Burgess Creek Wildfire, approximately 20 kilometres East of Alexandria, 45 kilometres Southeast of Quesnel and 50 Kilometres North of Williams Lake, remains at roughly 1,600 hectares in size.

Fire Information Officer at the Cariboo Fire Centre, Madison Dahl said the fire didn't see a lot of growth yesterday (Sunday).

Dahl added winds are expected to die down today and that BC Wildfire Service doesn't expect a large amount of growth, however it is incredibly dry.

“We have roughly 50 personnel on the ground today (Monday). We have heavy equipment that is working throughout the day and into the night, and we do have air support on the fire as well.”

Dahl noted the Cariboo Fire Centre had seven reports of wildfires on Saturday afternoon (April 20) and the Burgess Creek fire is the only one that is out of control.

“All of those other wildfires are either out, under control, or being held, so we had really great success with those ones. That's in huge part to the quick response of local Volunteer Fire Departments.”

Dahl reminds the public that it's very important to be vigilant when having a backyard campfire or recreating outdoors as fires can start from the heat of an exhaust as you go through high dry grass.

The post Burgess Creek Wildfire Between Williams Lake And Quesnel Remains Approximately 1,600 Hectares appeared first on My Cariboo Now.

An Evacuation Alert was issued for six parcels in the Burgess Creek Area between Williams Lake and Quesnel.

The Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre issued it last night (Sunday) at 7:45.

The Evacuation Alert covers 3,283 hectares because of the potential danger to life and health caused by wildfire.

The CRD said the Alert was issued to prepare those in that area to prepare to evacuate their premises or property should it be required and that residents will be given as much notice as possible prior to evacuation however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

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Williams Lake City Council gave their first three readings for a tax rate increase.

During last Tuesday's (April 16th) meeting, discussions surrounded a 3 percent increase for this years financial plan with some back and forth, which ended in favour for the increase.

Mayor Surinderpal Rathor gives a rundown on what this means for taxpayers.

"The three readings mean we have to have the bylaw passed and sent to the Minister, he will approve it before the 15th of May, and once he does that its a 3 percent tax increase."

Talks regarding the increase were had after Councillor Scott Nelson put an amendment on the table to bring the tax increase to 0 percent, by using the Community Forest Grant.

Rathor says that money can't be used for anything but infrastructure.

He added that the increase is in effort to keep taxes lower in the future, preventing something similar to what Osoyoos is seeing, which is between a 30 to 40 percent increase.

Rathor also questioned how long they would be able to keep up preventing a tax increase while also paying for infrastructure, which the City is behind on.

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A wildfire burning between Williams Lake and Quesnel has grown significantly.

The Burgess Creek Wildfire was discovered yesterday (Saturday) and has since grown 1,600 hectares according to the BC Wildfire Service.

The fire is located five kilometres northwest of Ben Lake.

The BC Wildfire Service has launched a full response to the blaze, including ground personnel, aircraft suppression, and heavy equipment.

Due to strong winds, the fire is producing a large column of smoke visible to commuters on Highway 97 and from Williams Lake and Quesnel.

All but two wildfires in the Cariboo Fire Centre are now Out or Under Control. Only the Burgess Creek Wildfire (C20117) remains classified as Out of Control. #BCWildfire Service personnel are on site and are supported by heavy equipment and aircraft.

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) April 21, 2024

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BC Wildfire Service has been called out to a wildfire 53 kilometres north of Williams Lake.

The fire was discovered just before 3:00pm today (April 20th) and has since reached 50 hectares as of 5:00pm.

Fire Information Officer, Madison Dahl says the fire remains out of control.

"We do have crews responding to the wildfire and they are supported by aircraft as well." says Dahl.

"We have our rapid response, the initial response, and then we have a larger unit crews on their way."

Dahl added that due to the wind, the wildfire smoke is visible in Williams Lake, Quesnel, and Highway 97, with the smell of smoke north of the fire.

She says it is a developing situation, with updates on this and other wildfires on the BC Wildfire Service app and website.

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Ulkatcho First Nation will have clean energy through a new solar energy project after a $15,841,000 investment from the Federal and Provincial governments.

In an announcement, the project is said to reduce the diesel generation need in the community by 64 percent, which is equal to a reduction of 1.1 million litres of diesel a year, making it the largest off-grid solar project in Canada.

Ulkatcho First Nation, that's power is currently 100 percent diesel generated, had studies and business case completed determining that solar power was the best alternative for the community.

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Sean Fraser said "This solar energy facility will not only reduce the community's greenhouse gas emissions, but will also bring about reduced expenses due to the shutting down of diesel generators."

The project will also include construction of new access roads and paths, control and monitoring of the facility, fire management, security, signage, and other related assets.

The post Ulkatcho First Nation housing over $15 million off-grid solar project appeared first on My Cariboo Now.

Williams Lake will be bustling this weekend, as contestants and rodeo enjoyers take in the Indoor Spring Classic Rodeo.

Performances began yesterday evening, with more rodeo action at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Today (April 20th) and Sunday at 1:00pm.

One of the organizers of the event, Roy Call talks about what people can expect to see at the rodeo.

"We've taken out the calf roping, the steer wrestling and the team roping this year, and all we have is the bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing. For the major events, there's $5,000 added per event." says Call.

"Then we have the wild horse race, junior steer riding, mini bull riding, and then the juniors and pee-wee barrels as well."

Call added that with the replay board back and the entertainment, it'll be an exciting weekend.

More information on the Indoor Spring Classic Rodeo can be found on Interior Rodeo Event Association's website here.

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150 Mile Volunteer Fire Department was sent out to a fire at the 150 Mile Elementary School this morning.

Crews received the call at around 10:30am, and upon arrival, they spoke with staff as students were evacuated from the building.

Regional Fire Chief for the CRD, Roger Hollander says the fire was quickly extinguished.

"The fire department was able to locate a small fire located in one of the classrooms." says Hollander.

"150 Mile Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire and made sure there was no extensions in the classroom."

Hollander added that no injuries were reported, and crews remain on scene as the fire is still under investigation.

He also gives his thanks to school staff for acting quickly, and the Williams Lake Fire Department for assisting in the call-out.

School District Superintendent, Chris Van Der Mark said that students were dismissed early, and is expecting busing and school to resume as per usual on Monday.

Van Der Mark also gave thanks to parents and caregivers for their understanding.

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Provincial funding to approximately 100 communities will better equip local Governments and First Nations to respond to emergencies.

The money through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, will support 80 projects in BC including several in our Region.

The Lhtako Dene Nation will receive $30,000 for an amateur radio repeater, very high frequency repeater and high frequency portable communications.

“This funding will to grow communications capacity in our Emergency Operations Command Centre which was established last year.” Bruce McDonald, Lands and Natural Resource Manager, Lhtako Dene First Nation, stated in a release, “It will help us initiate reliable means of communication with neighbouring Nations in the Quesnel area so we can better support them during times of emergency and need.”

Wells is also getting $30,000 for Emergency Operations Centre equipment and training.

$29,352 for Emergency Operations Equipment has been approved for Williams Lake First Nation.

The City of Quesnel $14,000 for Emergency Operations Centre equipment and training.

And the Cariboo Regional District will get $13,875 also for Emergency Operations Centre equipment and training.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate readiness said Emergency Operations Centres are a vital part of local emergency response, bringing together representatives and leaders to co-ordinate actions and resources, and to support first responders.

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