Advertisement

City of Armstrong placed under evacuation alert due to aggressive White Rock Lake fire

A helicopter delivering water against the White Rock Lake wildfire. BC Wildfire Service

The entire City of Armstrong and the Township of Spallumcheen has been placed under an evacuation alert Friday evening due to the aggressive White Rock Lake wildfire.

The city said this is not an evacuation order but residents should prepare to leave their homes and property if necessary.

To prepare for possible evacuation, visit Emergency Info BC for more information.

The City of Armstrong will update everyone as conditions develop.

The White Rock Lake fire, burning 34 kilometres northwest of Vernon, is now an estimated 55,000 hectares in size.

It is demonstrating very aggressive behaviour, the BC Wildfire Service said Friday, and strong winds are challenging suppression efforts.

Click to play video: 'Fast-moving White Rock Lake wildfire tears through BC’s Okanagan'
Fast-moving White Rock Lake wildfire tears through BC’s Okanagan
Story continues below advertisement

On Friday night, at 8:41 p.m., Central Okanagan Emergency Operations (CORE) said it was expanding the evacuation order “in light of continued aggressive behavior and unpredictable winds.”

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Specifically, CORE said “approximately 975 properties previously on evacuation alert along Westside Road are now under evacuation order and must leave their homes and campsites immediately. The affected area runs south from Ewings Landing to the south end of La Casa Lakeside Resort.”

The Village of Chase is also under an evacuation alert, along with part of the City of Vernon.

Sponsored content

AdChoices