Entire city on alert

Photo: Darryl Dyck - CP

Several mobile homes were destroyed by wildfire in Boston Flats near Ashcroft.

The threat of encroaching wildfires has prompted officials to place the entire city of Williams Lake on evacuation alert.

The population of the community of 11,000 has swelled over the past few days as people fleeing other fire ravaged areas of the interior have flocked there to seek shelter.

For some who have hunkered down in Williams Lake, it could mean multiple evacuations over just a few short days.

Gary Nurmi and Janice Mitchell told CTV Vancouver they have already evacuated both 150 Mile House and Deep Creek.

"Hopefully it'll clear up and we can go back home," said Nurmi. "But there's no power at home."

CTV says the step was taken by city officials who say a forecast indicates flames from a 20-square kilometre wildfire could head straight for the city on Wednesday.

The safest route out would be north, to Prince George.

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