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Air quality back to low risk in Williams Lake after firefighters extinguish downtown building fires

Crews continue to clean up after fire destroyed two downtown businesses
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Williams Lake Fire Dept. crews continue to extinguish a building fire in downtown Williams Lake on Oliver Street. Smoke continues to fill the air in the vicinity, which has resulted in a high health risk air quality advisory. Monica Lamb-Yorski photo

Update:

12:13 p.m.

The air quality for Williams Lake is back to a low risk as an early morning fire in the downtown is fully extinguished.

According to the Air Quality Health Index it is rated at one or low health risk.

Original:

The air quality in Williams Lake’s downtown has been elevated to a high health risk as firefighters continue to extinguish an early-morning building fire on Oliver Street.

According to the BC Ministry of Environment Air Quality Data website Williams Lake is presently rated at eight with a high health risk.

That rating means anyone at risk should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities if they are experiencing any breathing difficulties.

Emergency crews were called to Diamonds and Dust Entertainment Lounge at about 5:40 a.m. to put out the blaze and secure the surrounding block. Businesses in the area remain closed.

Read more: Firefighters battle blaze in downtown Williams Lake

Within a block radius of the downtown fire site, ash and water droplets continue to fall to the ground.

A climate rally is scheduled for noon Friday in Williams Lake beginning at Red Shreds Bike And Board Shed on First Avenue South a block away from the fire.

Organizer Erin Hitchcock confirmed Friday morning that it will go ahead as planned.

Read more: Climate action march in Williams Lake to coincide with global movement



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Clean up continues at the site of a downtown fire in Williams Lake that destroyed Diamonds and Dust Entertainment Lounge and New World Tea and Coffee House Friday morning. By noon the air quality index for Williams Lake had improved to low-risk. Monica Lamb-Yorski photo


Monica Lamb-Yorski

About the Author: Monica Lamb-Yorski

A B.C. gal, I was born in Alert Bay, raised in Nelson, graduated from the University of Winnipeg, and wrote my first-ever article for the Prince Rupert Daily News.
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