EOC Update 07: White Rock Lake Fire

• August 7, 2021
• • Emergency Updates

The images below detail the expansion of evacuation alert and order boundaries. The current evacuation alert for Splatsin IR#1/Salmon River remains unchanged. The photo below depicts the current alerts and orders in our region.  An Evacuation Alert was issued by Splatsin Kukpi7 and Council based on the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service. An evacuation alert means that all community members are on standby and should be ready to evacuate quickly if upgraded to an evacuation order.

The fire is currently estimated to be 55,000 hectares in size. The fire has breached Highway 97 at Monte Lake. Yesterday, southwesterly winds, gusting upwards of 40 km/hr challenged suppression efforts. Into the evening, the flank that was threatening to push northeast towards Spallumcheen slowed once it approached the Siwash Creek area. Strong winds contributed to an increase in fire behaviour in the Whiteman Creek Road area.

Predominant fire growth over the past 36-hours was along the eastern flank, west of Westside Road. This eastern flank is very visible to surrounding communities, and in certain areas the fire is approximately 100-250 metres west of Okanagan Lake.

Through the evening, temperatures dropped into the mid-teens with winds out of the southwest continuing to gust upwards of 30 km/hr. Today, winds on-site will be similar to yesterday, south/southwest 10-20 km/hr with gusts 25-40 km/hr. Isolated showers in the vicinity will provide a slight reprieve through the weekend. However, where sustained winds align with terrain features high spread rates and active fire behaviour is still expected.

Those who choose not to leave Evacuation Order areas put B.C.s first responders at tremendous risk. For the benefit of yourself and all community members it is important that you evacuate when you are directed to.  

FAQ’s:

How will I find out if I am on evacuation order?

RCMP and Splatsin emergency operations team will be going door to door issuing the order and ensuring community members are aware

Notices will also be posted to the Splatsin website, the Voyent Alert system, and social media channels

Where should I go if I am on evacuation order?

Community members can proceed to the Splatsin Community Center at 5667 Old Vernon Road to check in with Splatsin emergency operations center staff

For those who do not have transportation, please identify yourself to Alex Hubert at 250-540-9363 and we will assist with any transport needs.

What routes can I take to evacuate from IR#1/Salmon River?

Community members can take the following routes:

• Community members coming from Felix Road should proceed to Salmon River Road and make their way to the Splatsin Community Center.
• Community members coming from Salmon River Road, Hullcar, William, and Clcahl Rd. should proceed to Salmon River Road/Heywood Armstrong Rd and make their way to the Splatsin Community Center. 

The Splatsin Emergency Operations Center has been activated at a Level 1. Per EMBC, a Level 1 response involves potential threat of a flood, severe storm, or interface fire. The Splatsin EOC has obtained structure protection equipment, trained crews to deploy the equipment, is planning for Emergency Support Services needs, and is liaising with BC Wildfire and other regional and local agencies.  The crews will be arriving in trucks with trailers similar to the one pictured below.  Please give crews space to allow them to complete their work safely and efficently.

The Splatsin emergency management team continues to closely monitor updates from the BC Wildfire Service and will provide another update tomorrow on August 8, 2021. The BC Wildfire dashboard, which can be accessed via the link here is the best place to check for latest updates on fire position and growth: https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/f0ac328d88c74d07aa2ee385abe2a41b