Still growing: White Rock Lake Fire adds 1,500 hectares

The White Rock Lake wildfire has grown another 1,500 hectares according to today’s estimate from the BC Wildfire Service.

The fire burning west of Vernon is now 58,000 hectares and already showing increased activity today.

“An increase in fire activity is observed across most of the fire,” an update from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) stated at 8:00 a.m. Aug. 12. “Increased smoke will be seen in the vicinity of Naswhito Creek on the southeast flank of the fire as we continue to experience increased fire activity in the area. Multiple helicopters will be on site bucketing water to cool hot spots and support crews today. Skimmers and airtankers are available to support today, if needed. A finger of fire on the south flank moved 1.5 km south last night and was about 4 km north of Fintry. The most eastern tip of the fire in the Naswhito Creek is just west of Banks Road.”

BCWS says Rank 2 to 4 behaviour is expected today for the rest of the fire area.

“As of last evening, the fire has not crossed lines in the Paxton Valley area on the north flank of the fire. Helicopters were bucketing active areas of the fire all day, yesterday,” said the BCWS.

Click here for the White Rock Lake Operations Update for Thursday August 12.