One man has been arrested after he made threats to kill firefighters who are battling the B.C. wildfires.
Williams Lake RCMP received a report at 10 a.m. on Thursday from one of the firefighters in the area.
RCMP learned that, on Monday, the resident had allegedly threatened to kill firefighters if they continued to conduct back burning.
The man wasn’t alone either and one of the people in his group was allegedly carrying a handgun on his hip.
Williams Lake RCMP, with assistance from officers from the B.C. Wildfire deployment teams, conducted investigative follow ups and were able to identify and locate the man.
The 44-year-old man who allegedly made the threats acknowledged that the comments were made at a time of extreme stress.
No charges are being considered against him at this time.
“We understand that tensions are running high, but we have to continue to pull together as a community to fight the fires in whatever way we can,” said Jeff Pelley from the Williams Lake RCMP. “The firemen and women have a job to do, as do we, we ask that continue to be patient as we work together with all of our partners to make your community a safe place to return to.”
The 57-year-old man who was allegedly wearing the handgun was located and arrested after he was found in possession of an insecure loaded handgun and six rifles.
His firearms have been seized and he has since been released with an early November court date.
