White Rock Lake Fire (Photo credit: BC Wildfire Service)

By Liam Verster

Wildfire Update

Aerial surveillance underway as firefighting efforts continue on White Rock Lake Fire

Aug 4, 2021 | 11:01 AM

The smoke has cleared slightly in the Vernon area which has allowed the B.C. Wildfire Service to begin aerial surveillance of the White Rock Lake wildfire.

Fire Information officer Shannon Street said as of Wednesday, Aug. 4, the estimated size of the fire is 35,000 hectares, the same as the previous day. However, with the ability to now do some aerial surveillance, they will be able to get a clearer picture on the size and scope of the blaze.

“We’re hoping over the next day or so we’ll be able to have another estimated update for size,” said Street.

The Wildfire Service’s update on the conditions of the fire, which is classified as a ‘Fire of Note,’ said the perimeter of the fire is approximately 8.5 kilometres west of Westside Road, which is about 6.5 kilometres closer than reported Tuesday.

The smoke easing back is also allowing the 11 helicopters assigned to the fire to get up in the air and offer bucketing support in the areas where crews are working.

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“So they’re supporting some of the guard building and accessing some of the hot spots where they’re able to,” Street added.

She noted the helicopters play more of a support role than a suppression role, but their ability to offer some help is beneficial to the ground crews on the frontlines.

She said the crews have been working hard to keep the fire from spreading, but there has still been some growth in the past day.

“We did get an update from our operations staff [Tuesday], so there’s kind of that finger down to the southeast area. There has been a little bit of growth seen over the last 24 hours as well. Nothing too significant at this point, but we are seeing pretty active fire behaviour there,” said Street.

“There is also expected to be some active fire behaviour in the northern part of the fire. As far as an updated fire perimeter, we don’t have one yet today, but we’re hoping to get it soon.”

Street added the B.C. Wildfire Service is continuing to work with local regional districts and local first nations governments, and depending on how the wind blows and how the fire spreads, more evacuation orders may be issued. However, Street could not speculate on whether those would need to be put in place or when at this time.

The rain that fell a few days ago did offer some temporary reprieve for the firefighters, but Street said, with the ongoing warm weather and lack of precipitation since then, that reprieve is expected to be gone and increased fire behaviour is expected.

Street asks that people continue to do their part to reduce the risk of fires sparking in the region by adhering to the fire ban. She also asks that anyone who spots a fire to report it to 1-800-633-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.