News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

The Williams Lake Fire Department was called to the scene of a vehicle fire at the brake check on Highway 97 North at about 5:45 this evening. 

When our photographer arrived on scene, the 90's model Dodge extended cab pick-up was already fully involved.  One witness removed a fire extinguisher from his own vehicle, but the fire was too big to attack, at that point. 

The horn of the pick-up became stuck on, windows exploded and there were various other popping sounds and  small explosions.  The stench from the smoke was acrid.

A witness at the scene said he pulled over to assist the driver of the Dodge when there was still only smoke showing.  It quickly turned into flames, and all the two could do was watch and wait until the fire crews arrived.  The witness stayed until the fire was extinguished and offered the driver of the Dodge a ride home, adding, "It's an extra shame since that man received some good news today and should be home celebrating with his family, instead of watching his truck burn." 

The fire was extinguished quickly once fire crews arrived.  

Although traffic travelling by slowed, there were no closures on Highway 97.  Commercial transport traffic collected at the entrance to the brake check, and several trucks waited for quite a while before backing out and continuing on their way. 

The damage to the truck is substantial, but no one was injured.

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