Several arsons reported in Williams Lake, weeks after wildfire evacuation

Just two weeks after residents forced out by wildfires were allowed to return home to Williams Lake, several people have been arrested for allegedly trying to start new fires in the B.C. city.

Five male suspects were taken into custody Tuesday after a number of attempts were made to set fires in the Lexington Road Subdivision, according to an RCMP press release.

One fire was extinguished with the help of quick-thinking bystanders before any damage was done to nearby homes, police said.

"The immediate response of the bystanders and Williams Lake Fire Department likely prevented this event from causing serious harm to the homeowner," RCMP Insp. Jeff Pelley said in a press release.

"Another fire within the city limits could have had a detrimental effect on our community."

A number of homesin the neighbourhood had also been broken into, and witnesses reported seeing people hiding nearby as they tried to light the fires.

Williams Lake RCMP are describing the investigation into the arsons as a top priority.

The entire city of about 11,000 people was evacuated on July 15 as wildfires closed in on the city. Residents were only allowed back on July 27.