White Rock Lake wildfire moves further east

The estimated size of the White Rock Lake wildfire has increased by nearly 1,000 hectares over the past 24 hours, with growth seen mainly in the southeast flank.

As of Wednesday morning, the wildfire is approximately 56,500 hectares up from the 55,649 hectares on Tuesday.

B.C. Wildfire’s update from 8 a.m. Wednesday said the southeast flank of the fire in the vicinity of Naswhito Creek had seen increased fire activity, particularly in the Naswhito drainage area where the fire moved several hundred metres east and passed Banks Road.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s emergency program said Wednesday an aerial tour of the fire area suggested at least six structures on four properties within the Bouleau Lake area sustained significant damage in the blaze. These properties were outside the RDCO fire protection area. The area is currently under evacuation order.

Meantime, all other control lines on the eastern flank were contained.

The Wildfire Service reports that the rest of the fire area is between Ranks 1 and 3.

Helicopters were on the scene bucketing water on hot spots Tuesday, and the Wildfire Service has called in skimmers and air tankers to support firefighting efforts Wednesday.