Image Credit: BCWS / White Rock Lake wildfire / File

By Amandalina Letterio / Dave Barry

White Rock Lake wildfire

Province issues warnings as wildfires expected to increase

Aug 13, 2021 | 4:57 PM

KAMLOOPS – The provincial government has issued a strong warning around the possible expansion of the White Rock Lake wildfire this weekend.

Forecasters say the likelyhood of strong winds could lead to substantial growth of the fire over the next few days. Cliff Chapman, the Director of provincial operations for the B.C. Wildfire Service, say officials are expecting sustained winds of 20 to 30 kilometres per hour Saturday. The winds will pick up to 50 to 60 kilometres per hour Sunday.

The provincial government is asking people not to travel to parts of the Interior region until further notice because increased wildfire activity.

This includes the communities of Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Okanagan Indian Band, Enderby, and parts of the Regional District North Okanagan. Click here to view the map.

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Fire activity over the next 72 hours will be critical, and the Province is preparing for more evacuation orders and alerts.

“We’re taking this proactive step because we want to ensure people in these communities are able to evacuate if necessary, access the supports they need, as well as the safety of our firefighters on the ground,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“While we are acting out of an abundance of caution, this situation is very serious and could get worse quickly. If you were planning to travel to the area, now is not the time to do so,” he added.

Interior Health has also advised that non-essential travel to and from the Central Okanagan should be avoided due to the current COVID-19 outbreak.

For those who live in the region, government is not asking you to leave. Be ready to go if you’re under an evacuation alert. For evacuation orders, leave immediately.