The White Rock Lake wildfire has damaged an estimated 70 properties to date, according to local officials.
On Tuesday afternoon, Central Okanagan Emergency Operations (CORE) issued an update on the out-of-control blaze that’s now estimated at 78,190 hectares — up from the 62,000 hectares reported on Monday.
One flank of the massive blaze is burning along the northwestern shores of Okanagan Lake, with CORE stating an early assessment was conducted of fire damage in Ewings Landing and the Killiney area.
CORE said an estimated 70 properties have been significantly damaged and that identified property owners of affected properties are being notified.
CORE also said registration Emergency Services is required to confirm properties and their owners for contact, including owners who do not reside at the property.
Meanwhile, evacuation orders and alerts for the wildfire remain unchanged. CORE says residents will not be able to access their property until it is deemed safe to do so.
“The fire remains active and out of control and there are areas that assessment crews were not able to access for their safety,” said North Westside fire chief Alex Van Bruksvoort. “I’m really proud of crews prioritizing the protection of private property.”
Bruksvoort said once it’s safe, crews will conduct further assessments.
Weather-wise, BC Wildfire says recent rain, lower temperatures, and high relative humidity have diminished fire behaviour in the short term.
“The amount of rain received is not enough to have a lasting effect on the wildfire,” added BC Wildfire. “However, it is giving ground crews a chance to strengthen existing guards and establish new lines.”
Areas of the fire that did not receive much rain are expected to show heightened levels of fire behaviour especially during wind gusts.
Structure protection specialists along with BCWS crews are working 24/7 around the communities most affected by the wildfire.