Members of the Tl害羞草研究所檈tinqox First Nation community of Anaham Reserve are defying an evacuation order to leave the Chilcotin in order to try and save their homes.
害羞草研究所淲e sent out the elders today but anyone who is young enough and fit enough is staying behind to fight the fire,害羞草研究所� said Cecil Grinder.
害羞草研究所淲e have to try and save our homes.害羞草研究所�
An estimated 200 to 300 members are staying behind 害羞草研究所� a decision Chief Joe Alphonse .
Grinder said officials wanted them out but they refused.
Forests Minister John Rustad called the news troubling.
害羞草研究所淚 understand why he wants to do it but this is a serious risk given the challenge of what could happen with rapid moving fires, he said in a statement. 害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檝e connected him with satellite communications in case we lose all ground lines and will be in frequent communications with him.害羞草研究所�
He and several other community members were in Williams Lake gathering food and emergency supplies such as propane to take back to their community, which has been cut off from power since Saturday.
They said they would be travelling back tonight on the closed Highway 20 no matter what.
Travellers returning from the area, located about an hour害羞草研究所檚 drive west of Williams Lake described seeing a 害羞草研究所渕oonscape害羞草研究所� beginning at historic Lees害羞草研究所檚 Corner, which was lost to fire Friday night.
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The members are gathering at the Anaham Band office to serve food and water as they wait it out, Grinder said, and will retreat to a safe location if they need to.
