With a massive wildfire burning northwest of Vernon, more police help is coming to the North Okanagan.
On Friday, the RCMP announced that additional officers from across B.C. have been deployed to the Greater Vernon area to support police operations and wildfire efforts in the region.
The White Rock Lake wildfire is burning northwest of Vernon and is estimated at 45,000 hectares, up from 32,500 on Thursday.
Overall, the fire has spawned evacuation orders for hundreds of homes and even more are under evacuation alert, including 2,400 residences in the Central Okanagan regional district.
“In light of the recent expansion of evacuation orders, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP want the public to know we have an adaptive and flexible resource plan in place that ensures delivery of core policing services while considerations for personal safety and property protection in evacuated areas are being met,” police said in a release.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire is located around 34 kilometres northwest of Vernon, though a map shows the fire’s eastern-most perimeter is around 16 kilometres due west of downtown Vernon, across Okanagan Lake.
The fire’s eastern perimeter is also less than five kilometres from the northwestern shores of Okanagan Lake.
“We want to reassure you that your safety remains a priority for us,” said Const. Chris Terleski.
“We understand that this is a very stressful time for everyone affected and those who have been evacuated are concerned for the security of their homes and properties.”
RCMP say the extra officers will respond to all fire-related scenarios, including patrolling evacuated neighbourhoods and assisting with safe evacuation and regular policing duties.
“We are working closely with our partners in government, emergency response, and volunteer agencies to ensure the safety of our communities,” Terleski said.
“We are asking people to be prepared to leave, to evacuate immediately if ordered to, to respect the road closures in place, adhere to instructions issued by emergency personnel, and to stay away from evacuated areas until they are notified that it is safe to return.”