The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has ordered the rest of the community of Westwold to be evacuated because of the nearby 32,500 hectare White Rock Lake wildfire.
The rest of Monte Lake is also being evacuated as of Wednesday night. In all, there are 271 properties in the TNRD impacted as follows:
- 5644 to 5737 Back Rd;
- 4732 to 4754 Buff Frontage Rd;
- 6607 to 6725 Bulman Rd;
- 6539 Douglas Lake Rd;
- 3526 to 6975 Hwy 97;
- 4120 to 4249 Kristianson Rd;
- 3787 to 3862 Mill Rd;
- 3754 to 3903 Monte Lake Rd;
- 3928 to 5070 Paxton Valley Rd;
- 6639 Pringle Rd;
- 6572 and 6593 Service Rd;
- 4294 Strong Rd;
- 5469 to 5545 Westlund Rd;
- 6365 to 6504 Westwold Station Rd; and
- any properties within the boundary outlined on the attached map.
“If you have been evacuated due to wildfires, you should register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) whether you need the support or not,” the TNRD said, in a statement. “This will help ensure that your loved ones and communities know where you are and know that you’re safe.”
Evacuees are being told to head to the McArthur Island reception centre in Kamloops to complete the ESS registration. It will be open until midnight and will reopen at 9 a.m. Friday.
Elsewhere, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) has also ordered the evacuation of the entire community of Falkland as well as the Cedar Hill area as listed on this map.
CSRD-area evacuees are being told to stay with friends or family tonight and to register in-person at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort, located at 251 Harbourfront Drive, Salmon Arm, starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, August 5.
“If you cannot stay with family or friends, please report to the Salmon Arm Reception Centre before midnight or after 8 a.m. on Thursday to register,” the CSRD said.
There are also evacuation orders and alerts covering the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB).
People who have been evacuated can self-register online here or they can call the ESS Info Line at 1-800-585-9559, if they need assistance.
As of publishing, Highway 97 remains open in both directions connecting Kamloops to Vernon and Kelowna, with a travel advisory in effect between Salmon River Road and Barnhartvale Road.
People driving in that area are being told to carry on through with no stopping allowed. More details from Drive BC can be found here.
Earlier today, the BC Wildfire Service said the out-of-control White Rock Lake wildfire is showing aggressive behaviour noting that winds in the forecast could significantly impact the fire activity.
For the latest on evacuation orders and alerts in the TNRD, go here, while for the latest from the CSRD, go here.
