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Vernon opens lodging for evacuees

The City of Vernon is activating and operating a group lodging facility for evacuees of the Williams Lake area
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A city-wide evacuation order has been issued for the entire city of Williams Lake. Angie Mindus photo.

Vernon is lending a hand to those fleeing a Cariboo wildfire.

As part of the provincial response, the City of Vernon is activating and operating a group lodging facility for evacuees of the Williams Lake area.

The reception centre is at the Vernon Curling Club.

“At this point, we are preparing for 250 people and planning for more in the next 48 hours,” said Tanya Laing Gahr, communications officer, Sunday morning.

Until further notice, the centre is operating 24 hours a day.

As the curling rink parking lot will be under construction beginning Monday, people needing to access the reception centre should park at the 35th Avenue entrance near Priest Valley Arena.

Emergency Social Services is asking community members that have ESS or emergency management experience and are willing to volunteer to contact media@vernon.ca. Volunteers with a previous criminal record check are preferred.