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PHOTOS: No erratic behaviour forecast for White Rock Lake wildfire

Okanagan Indian Band, BC Wildfire Service updates

No major movement is expected to be flared up by the beast burning in everyone’s minds.

“BC Wildfire has forecasted that the current weather for this week does not call for erratic behavior or large fire movements,” the Okanagan Indian Band said in its Aug. 18 update of the White Rock Lake wildfire.

The weather forecast looks promising with temperatures expected to stay in the mid to low 20s with potential for scattered showers from Thursday to this weekend. Humidity in the forecast remains high which, officials say, helps hamper the rate of spread of the wildfire. Likewise low wind speeds also ensure a low rate of spread and lower fire intensity.

The 81,139-hectare blaze continues to be actioned by air support and ground crews.

The most significant growth was observed Aug. 15 on the east flank into Okanagan Indian Band land and across Westside Road in the Fintry Park/Ewing area, according to BC Wildfire Service’s Wednesday update.

There are 135 wildland firefighters, heavy equipment and aerial support on the east, called Division Brave. They continue to defend pre-established containment lines above communities.

“Heavy equipment continues to work on constructing containment lines from Birch Crescent to Naswhito Creek and from Beau Road to Cherry Plantation,” the BCWS update reads. “Structure protection is being assessed and applied where necessary and maintained elsewhere.

Significant growth was also observed Aug. 15 along the northeast flank of the fire from Naswhito Creek across Six Mile Creek. This flank is south of Glenemma, called Division Charlie, and has 31 wildland firefighters, heavy equipment and aerial support.

“Tied in from Westside Road heavy equipment use is continuing in guard creation towards Irish Creek, north and from Cedar Creek working eastward,” the OKIB said.

Very little growth has been observed on Division Yankee, the north flank, with 117 wildland firefighters, heavy equipment and aerial support. Firefighters are holding the line where a successful planned ignition was recently completed.

Division Zulu (west) and Division Alpha (south) continue to be monitored by air.

READ MORE: Not safe for many White Rock Lake wildfire evacuees to come home yet: North Westside fire chief

READ MORE: Hundreds of White Rock Lake wildfire evacuees can return home


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Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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