More troops to join operations at White Rock Lake wildfire

Another group of Canadian Armed Forces will be coming to Vernon to help with operations at the White Rock Lake wildfire.

Approximately 80 troops from a Domestic Response Company will travel south from 100 Mile House where they had been supporting B.C. Wildfire Services (BCWS) operations at the Flat Lake wildfire.

“This company is comprised of reservists members of the Canadian Armed Forces that come from 38, 39, and 41 Brigades,” said Cpt. Jamie Blois.

“These are citizen militia, people who pause their regular life in order to wear the uniform and commit to serving their country.”

The personnel will be travelling down Highway 97 and Highway 1 in a convoy, which consists of large green medium support vehicles and a fleet of pick-up trucks. The convoy is expected to cause some traffic disruption, and the public is asked to give them extra space and to be patient.

They will join the Canadian Armed Forces members who are being brought up from Oliver to support wildfire suppression efforts by mopping-up hot spots, as well as assisting with controlled ignitions.

READ MORE: Canadian Armed Forces personnel coming to Vernon to support wildfire operations

It’s not yet clear when the members will leave 100 Mile House, or when they will be deployed to help with operations at the White Rock Lake wildfire.