(File photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Pete McIntyre

15 structures impacted

Okanagan Indian Band confirms lost structures from wildfire

Aug 17, 2021 | 3:09 PM

The Okanagan Indian Band has confirmed that structures were lost during the latest surge by the White Rock Lake wildfire on Sunday.

The band issued the following update on its Facebook page Tuesday:

“The last 48 hours have been very hectic. As of yesterday, August 16, there were 10 dwellings and 1 business lost with an additional 4 dwellings damaged. Thanks to the rain and drop in temperature, as well as quick action from BC Wildfire and structural protection personnel, there have been no additional confirmed structural losses within OKIB IR#1,” read the statement.

Vernon Matters has confirmed the business that was lost was the Little Kingdom store on Westside Road.

The band said the current evacuation order remains in place, but is being reviewed in light of the weather.

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“Weather wise, temperatures are expected to continue to stay within the mid 20s C with the potential for rain this upcoming weekend. Wind in the area is expected to continue to come from the northwest, blowing south throughout the day,” the band stated.

The Vernon area band, which has about 2,000 members, said it has already started to work on a recovery plan for its community.

“There will be more complete information coming from the EOC [emergency operations centre] regarding the re-entry process for areas which have been impacted by the wildfire forthcoming. We are also in discussion with [Emergency Management BC] regarding setting up the ability for an OKIB wildfire donation service,” the posting went on to say.

The following image is the latest fire perimeter map from the morning of August 16. The band said the photo shows spot fires on the mountain side above Irish Creek and above Louis Estates. Fire can also be seen to the far left of the photo in the Deep Creek/Newport Creek area.

(Image credit: BC Wildfire Service)