The community of Anahim Lake in central British Columbia has been ordered to evacuate as wildfires near Highway 20, north and east of Bella Coola, approach residential areas. The evacuation order, issued by the Cariboo Regional District and the Ulkatcho First Nation, came into effect early Friday morning for residents living along Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake, Dusty Lake, and Charlotte Lake.
The Dusty Lake wildfire, now covering more than 53 square kilometres, prompted authorities to ask around 570 residents to leave immediately. Evacuees are directed east along Highway 20 to Williams Lake, more than 200 kilometres away, where the emergency service centre at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is prepared to provide support. Temporary relocation to Prince George or Kamloops is available if required.
Regional Fire Situation
In addition to the Dusty Lake wildfire, the Beef Trail Creek wildfire has been burning northwest of Dusty Lake and north of Highway 20, covering approximately 102 square kilometres. Earlier in the week, this fire led to evacuation orders for areas north of Anahim Lake.
The regional emergency response has mobilized RCMP officers and other agencies to assist with the evacuation and maintain safety along affected highways. A travel advisory remains in effect for Highway 20 from Anahim Lake west to Bella Coola due to limited visibility from wildfire smoke and rapidly changing road conditions.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
Residents evacuating to Williams Lake are checking in at the emergency service centre, where staff are prepared to assist with accommodation, food, and other necessities. Hot and dry conditions are creating challenging fire behaviour, which officials warn may result in rapid fire growth over the weekend.
Evacuation orders strongly advise that residents leave the affected areas immediately. Individuals who choose to stay are assuming significant personal risk, as firefighting crews cannot guarantee protection for private properties. Authorities are also preparing controlled ignition operations along Highway 20 to prevent the fires from spreading across the road.
Community Response
Some Anahim Lake residents have opted to remain at their homes despite evacuation orders, particularly those with properties in open areas with minimal tree coverage. These residents typically have fire mitigation measures in place, such as cleared yards, water pumps, and emergency power supplies, to protect their properties.
Many evacuees describe challenging travel conditions, with thick smoke reducing visibility and creating hazardous driving situations. Some are temporarily relocating to distant cities to ensure their safety until the fires are contained.
Anahim Lake Firefighting
The B.C. Wildfire Service is actively managing both the Dusty Lake and Beef Trail Creek wildfires. Fire crews are monitoring conditions closely and conducting hand ignitions where necessary to control fire spread. The ongoing hot and dry weather makes containment difficult, particularly during the daytime when fire activity increases.
The combination of dry conditions, strong winds, and combustible forest material is contributing to the rapid expansion of these fires. Firefighters are prioritizing areas with residential communities and critical infrastructure while also preparing containment lines along major roadways.
Impact on the Community
Anahim Lake is home to roughly 1,500 residents and is known for its ties to the Ulkatcho First Nation. The wildfires have disrupted daily life, led to large-scale evacuations, and impacted local businesses. Emergency centers are coordinating assistance for displaced residents, ensuring access to shelter, food, and medical care during the evacuation period.
The Dusty Lake and Beef Trail Creek wildfires serve as a reminder of the increasing wildfire risk in central B.C., especially during periods of high temperatures and low humidity. Residents are encouraged to follow all evacuation orders and stay informed through regional emergency updates.