White Rock Lake Fire Sunday Update Gusting winds increased fire activity expected
The BC Wildfire Service said the out-of-control White Rock Lake wildfire burning west of Vernon did not see any major growth overnight heading into Sunday, but gusting winds and increased fire activity are expected later in the day.
The BC Wildfire Service said it is preparing for strong winds hitting up to 60 km/h from the south to southwest.
“Heavy equipment, ground crews, and helicopters are strategically positioned to priority areas on the fire that are expected to be the most challenging along the north, northeast, and east flanks,†it said in a website update.
Read more: B.C. warns winds will fan fire risk in Interior
Fire officials are expecting the flames to be active north of Naswhito Creek, which is near Westside Road, throughout the rest of the weekend.
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Regional District of Central Okanagan says no structures in its boundaries were damaged overnight because of the #WhiteRockLake fire. There are also no changes in evacuation orders or alerts. #BCWildfire
â€" Jules Knox (@Jules_Knox) August 15, 2021
“The fire has not crossed any control lines north of Highway 97 in the Monte Lake/Paxton Valley area or along the northeast flank all the way south past the major powerline corridor near Ingram,†BC Wildfire Service said.
The blaze is now estimated at 62,273 hectares, which is approximately 40 square kilometres larger than on Saturday.
Read more: Smoky conditions to continue in B.C.’s Southern Interior
Fire officials said the increase in size is along the south flank, north of the Fintry protected area.
At its closest point, the fire is approximately 3.5 km northwest of Fintry Provincial Park.
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Nearly 200 wildland firefighters are tackling the fire, including 22 who remained on-site throughout the night.
Read more: Wildfire season: Vehicle cabin air filters pushed to the limit amid smoky skies
BC Wildfire Service said 143 structure protection personnel, 16 helicopters, 15 danger tree assessors and 45 pieces of heavy equipment are assigned to the blaze.
Regional District of Central Okanagan says firefighters continue to work in residential neighbourhoods within reach of the fire. Patrols looking for hot spots continued overnight, and crews will monitor pumps put in place. They're expecting dry and windy conditions #WhiteRockLake
â€" Jules Knox (@Jules_Knox) August 15, 2021
Thousands of people remain out of their home because of the blaze: in the Regional District of Central Okanagan alone, approximately 1,900 properties remain under an evacuation order.
2:48 Public safety minister tells tourists to avoid travel to areas of B.C. Interior due to fire danger Public safety minister tells tourists to avoid travel to areas of B.C. Interior due to fire danger Advertisement
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