Wildfire west of Vernon grows another 8,000 hectares, cooler weather, showers could bring relief

The White Rock Lake Fire continues to grow, up another 8,000 hectares from Saturday, and now estimated at 32,000 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Services says the fire, which started in the Merritt area July 13,  is burning 34 kilometres northwest of Vernon.

On Saturday night, aggressive overnight fire growth was observed along the south flank where much of the fire perimeter crossed over the Salmon River Forest Service Road. As a result, the new estimated size of the fire is 32,000 hectares.

“Showers with a chance of thunderstorms are expected today bringing clouds and temperatures down to 20 degrees. Extreme burning conditions will remain until additional moisture and clouds come to the area. Dependent on precipitation amounts, there may be a slight reprieve in fire behaviour over the next 48-hours,” the BCWS said on its website.

“Crews are continuing to work towards safe, achievable operational objectives under extremely adverse conditions. Public and first responder safety remains top priority. To protect the safety of the public and first responders, the BC wildfire Service will continue to evaluate the need for further evacuation order and alert recommendations,” the update stated.

Provincially, there is a slight increase in the number of active wildfires but cooler temperatures and forecasts of rain could bring some relief.

B.C.’s joint information centre reports 245 wildfires burning across the province, with the majority of the fires located in the Kamloops (79) and southeast regions (63).

The centre says it has issued 61 evacuation orders and 101 evacuation alerts.

Smoke from wildfires in the Kamloops, Vernon, Castlegar, Williams Lake and south and central Okanagan areas has prompted Environment Canada to issue high risk alerts.

Metro Vancouver says it has lifted its air quality advisory for much of the city and the Fraser Valley due to changing weather patterns.

The joint information centre says there have been 1,275 wildfires since April 1 and 5016.76 square kilometres have been burned.

(With files from The Canadian Press)