Another B.C. community has been devastated by a raging wildfire and more could be at risk from a blaze burning rapidly between Kamloops and Vernon.
Ken Gillis, chairman of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, says he has been advised that damage is extensive in the community of Monte Lake and through the nearby Paxton Valley.
The 325-square kilometre White Rock Lake wildfire jumped Highway 97 about 40 kilometres southeast of Kamloops late Thursday.
An official with the BC Wildfire Service has confirmed further growth of the blaze is expected and a statement from the service says winds gusting up to 40 kilometres per hour are expected through the day.
Hundreds of properties in communities to the east and west of Monte Lake were already under evacuation order, but further evacuation orders were issued by the regional district overnight and the City of Kamloops has placed residents in several of its southeastern neighbourhoods on evacuation alert.
Thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Monte Lake area tonight. Getting many unofficial updates and images that paint a dire picture of devastating damage to the area due to the massive White Rock Lake wildfire. Praying for everyone’s safety. ðŸ™ðŸ» #bcpoli
— Todd Stone (@toddstonebc) August 6, 2021
The city activated its Emergency Operations Centre at 8:30 p.m. due to the White Lake fire burning fire southeast of the city and the Tremont Creek wildfire southwest of the city. Some are under evacuation alerts for the the latter fire, in the Tobiano area.
Meanwhile, a mix of sun and cloud is expected in the region with just a 30 percent chance of showers this morning. While some of the Interior are expected to see light showers Saturday night, officials are weary it won’t be enough to combat the raging fires through the region.
White Rock Lake fire a few miles from Monte Lake @Kamscan pic.twitter.com/YzxNovHFZD
— Bernie Hudyma (@BernieHudyma) August 5, 2021
It was just over one month ago that a wildfire raced through the village of Lytton, killing two people, destroying most of the community and causing an estimated $78 million in damage.
The wildfire service says nearly 300 fires are currently burning in B.C., and just over 5,800 square kilometres have been charred since the start of the wildfire season on April 1.
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