Province fights off criticism over firefighting efforts in Monte Lake

Manwaring says when it crossed Highway 97 and roared through Monte Lake on Aug. 5, it was a firestorm.

“One thing we do know, when fire came through that area, backed by 40 to 60 km/h winds, at a Rank 6 fire behaviour, it was very challenging even for structural protection units to protect properties. We know there was some success, but I don’t have details on all the individual properties there.”

More anger, frustration from inside devastated White Rock Lake fire zone (Global News video)

Manwaring said he sympathizes with all those impacted by the fire.

“The really aggressive nature led to exponential growth rates on this and other fires. It’s a really unfortunate situation, but all I can say is we are effectively resourcing that fire.”

The fire destroyed an unknown number of properties and vehicles in the Monte Lake and Paxton Valley areas Aug. 5.

Since April 1, the Wildfire Service has responded to 1,453 fires with 652,700 ha. burned, well ahead of the ten year average of 905 fires to this pont and 140,000 ha. burned

There are currently 262 active fires and 31 Wildfires of Note.

As for the causes, 185 of the active fires were from natural causes and 16 were human caused.

Emergency Management BC said there are 38 current states of local emergencies, with 63 evacuation orders affecting 6,219 properties and 108 evacuation alerts, impacting 31,903 properties.

Fourteen reception centres for fire evacuees are currently operating, including in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vernon.