RCMP, firefighters keeping Cache Creek in safe hands

Cache Creek is still under an evacuation order, with residents waiting to see for themselves the damage that has been done to their community.

The wildfire is burning at 4,400 hectares, according to BC Wildfire Service.

RELATED: Evacuation alert lifted in Ashcroft

Eighty firefighters, seven helicopters, heavy equipment and support personnel were battling the blaze.

On Saturday, Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta said the fire has destroyed dozens of buildings in the area.

This includes at least 13 residences on the Ashcroft Indian Band land, around 30 homes at Boston Flatts Trailer Park and two hangars and a residence at the regional airport.

Damage is extensive: 170 poles, 93 cross-arms, and 29 transformers near #Ashcroft #CacheCreek. Numbers expected to rise. #bcwildfire pic.twitter.com/vIYHmIfizn

— BC Hydro (@bchydro) July 10, 2017

But a resident who’s working with emergency crews says the town is in safe hands.

“Fire is definitely a threat, but there is no imminent threat to [the city limits of] Cache Creek,” local resident Sue Peters said.

RELATED: $100 M for cities devastated by B.C. wildfires

Since Friday’s evacuation order was issued for the village, residents seeking refuge at an evacuation centre in Kamloops have voiced their concerns about looting and vandalism.

Peters says any rumours of the looting are also unfounded.

“There is an extremely visible RCMP presence and they are constantly patrolling. As well, Cache Creek Volunteer Fire Department members are doing regular runs through town.”

Here’s what the Ashcroft wildfire looked like on day one, when it was 700 hectares: