The District of Wells has lifted its evacuation alert due to the Antler Creek fire that caused residents to evacuate July 21. The Cariboo Regional District has also lifted its evacuation alerts on the Barkerville and Bowron Lake areas
The Antler Creek fire is the largest of the 17-fire Groundhog Complex which BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has been responding to for over a week. Wells and Barkerville were evacuated July 21, residents of Wells were allowed to return home July 26.
The Antler Creek fire was estimated to be 14,293 hectares as of July 29 according to the BCWS. The release announcing the rescinding of the evacuation alert says BCWS believes they have the fire "in-hand" and weather conditions have improved.
The CRD announcement of the rescinded evacuation alert informs people there may still be poor air quality and there may be danger trees near rural properties. It advises anyone whose property was affected to work with an insurance agency.
There are over 100 firefighters on the ground along with air support from three helicopters and heavy equipment working to manage the fire. An incident management team was put in place to help organize the response and give crews more resources to handle the blaze.
The cause of the fire is believed to be lightning, the BCWS website says.
