VANCOUVER — Armstrong Township opens its campground to wildfire evacuees “wishing to self-contain camp on-site and/or house livestock”.
A major fire is raging in British Columbia. Interior now handles about half the evacuation orders in the province.
White Rock Lake’s wildfire, which has been burning since July 13, is now estimated to have burned 32,500 ha. Crews have been experiencing sustained winds of 25 to 40 km/h for the past 24 hours.
Rob Schweitzer, director for fire center operations at the BC Wildfire Service, stated that wind gusts will increase fire activity and make suppression more difficult. Tomorrow is expected to bring strong winds.
The fire’s northeast boundary is of particular concern. New evacuation orders were issued for hundreds of properties along Highway 97 on Wednesday night, and the road is now closed.
The fire between Vernon and Kamloops has spread across Highway 97, just south of Monte Lake. It is expected to continue growing.
More information on the fire can be found on the British Columbia Wildfire Service website.
Officials claim that the fire caused more than 2,000 properties to be placed under evacuation orders. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, there were 4,228 properties under evacuation order in the province.
People living near the White Rock Lake Fire are being reminded to be alert.
Schweitzer stated, “I urge you to keep a high level of awareness over this evolving situation for the next 48 hours. Please be prepared in advance of an evacuation order or alert.”
Officials claim that most of the 8,309 people who are currently registered in B.C. as evacuees have found accommodation. Many of them have found accommodation, even in hotels. Many of the affected properties are located on farms with livestock.
This week, the Township of Armstong, north of the White Rock Lake fire, opened the campground to evacuees “wishing to self contain camp on-site and/or house livestock.
According to the interactive dashboard of the provincial wildfire agency, there are currently 292 wildfires in B.C. 108 of those fires were started within the past week. A little over one-tenth of the fires were ignited in the last two days.
As of posting, the following are available in the evacuation campground:
- 15 hook up sites with water and electricity (you will need to bring own hoses and electrical cords).
- Up to 50 spots available for those that are fully self-contained with water and a generator.
- A Sani Dump is available off-site at the Kinsmen Campground.
- Shared Washrooms.
- Shared Showers.
- The area is private and has no public access.
- the grounds have facilities for large livestock only. ( Cows, horses) small hooved animals could be placed in a self-contained pen (please ensure you bring penning facilities with you).
- Site security.