Large-scale ignition planned for White Rock Lake fire’s northeast flank

In order to gain control over the White Rock Lake wildfire, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) is preparing to conduct large-scale planned ignition operations along the northeast flank.

The Township of Spallumcheen said in a release the BCWS has informed them the exact timing of the operation will depend on weather and site conditions, and could be done as early as Wednesday, Aug. 25.

Significant planning, forecasting and data analysis has been completed and will be reassessed before the ignitions operation begins.

The planned ignition area is estimated to be around 3,000 hectares in size, which will produce significant smoke visible to nearby communities including Vernon, Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Glennema and Falkland.

“The BCWS reassures people that the smoke from this operation is not of concern, and that ignitions will only be done if the site conditions are favourable,” the township’s news release stated.

The township adds the decision to do planned ignitions comes as the steep, inaccessible terrain along the northeast flank has created difficulties for firefighting personnel, and that planned ignitions are the most favourable tactic to gain control of the fire lines.

The ignition operation will use a combination of hand and aerial ignitions to remove fuels that lie between the control line and the advancing fire.

Ground crews and hose lay will be ready to patrol and monitor for any spotting across the constructed machine guard between Westside Road and Irish Creek.

If the weather patterns shift drastically before the operation can begin on Wednesday, then operational personnel will reassess and find alternative potential suppression operations. However, the wildfire service does say that no alternative plans are expected to have as much impact on the blaze as ignition operations.