Williams Lake, B.C. – Tolko Industries  has shut down operations at  its Lakeview, Williams Lake and Soda Creek  divisions.

The company says with  more than 60 wildfires burning in the Cariboo region, some which are threatening the community of Williams Lake and surrounding rural communities,  the  Lakeview and Soda Creek operations are closed today.

Managers will meet daily to assess the  situation and  determine if  one or both  site will be operating .

The decisions  on  operations will be posted on Tolko’s website and Tolko’s social media platforms on facebook  and  on Twitter.

In a statement issued last night,  the company says  its top priority  is the safety and well being of employees, many of whom have  been displaced from their homes “Our message to our employees is to stay safe and look after your family and home. We are taking inventory of employee location and the status of homes and family safety, so we can determine how best to provide support and assistance.”

The company  says the  mill sites will be protected 24/7.