White Rock Lake fire. (Photo credit: Okanagan Indian Band/Facebook)

By Pete McIntyre

White Rock Lake Fire

78 properties confirmed with fire damage west of Okanagan Lake

Aug 24, 2021 | 12:33 PM

Activity on the White Rock Lake fire has been minimal the last few days along the south, west and northern flanks, but that is expected to increase this week as the temperatures and winds rise.

A burn-off by BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) personnel, planned to begin Wednesday, will also create lots of visible smoke on the fire site west of Vernon.

The BCWS still classifies the fire as active and out of control with an estimated size of 80,951 hectares, up about 200 hectares from Monday.

To date, crews have confirmed that 78 properties have been directly impacted by the fire. Communities that have incurred damage, which remain on Evacuation Order, include:

• Killiney Beach
• Estamont Beach
• Beau Park area within the Regional District of Central Okanagan

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Communities where there are no reports of major structural damage, which remain on Evacuation Order, include:

• Westshore Estates
• Wainman Cove
• Ewings Landing
• Upper Fintry
• Valley of the Sun

“North Westside Fire Rescue has continued patrols in all neighbourhoods overnight. We have been incredibly blessed to have multiple other fire departments support our community. BC Hydro has continued the power lines rebuild in and along Westside Road,” said Chief Alex Van Bruksvoort.

The Emergency Operations Centre was able to work with crews to escort residents whose homes were structurally damaged by the wildfire and conduct a tour along a pre-determined established safe route.

“Residents were very appreciative of having the chance to temporarily observe their properties; and while it goes without saying that it was an extremely difficult day for them, and all who were there to offer support, homeowners were grateful for the opportunity to begin the process of moving forward. Our hearts go out to them in this difficult time,” said Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre Public Information Officer Jodie Foster.

The EOC continues to reach out directly to residents whose properties were significantly damaged based on ongoing visual assessments of the area. At this time, most owners of properties that have sustained significant structural damage have been contacted.

While there is not a specific time-frame for when evacuation orders will be lifted, evacuees should expect that they will not be able to access their home until crews deem it safe to do so:

• Hotspots and flare ups have continued almost daily, there continue to be over 30 pieces of major equipment in the area, with fire suppression lines and bladders in place to support fighting the fire as it flares up. Fire crews need unimpeded access to the area.
• Crews continue to assess, identify and dispose of hazardous materials. There is no power and no potable water in the affected areas.
• Crews are working to restore services to prepare for the time when it is deemed safe to return. BC Hydro is starting to repair power infrastructure.

Evacuated residents can call 1-833-498-3770 to register and access assistance, such as lodging and food, from Emergency Support Services. The ESS reception centre at 1480 Sutherland Avenue is open today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Registering with the ESS, even if you do not need support, provides a way for the EOC to contact property owners whose properties have been damaged. ESS support services have now been expanded to continue until Oct. 1 for those owners who do not have home insurance.