Wildfire jumps Coquihalla, Vernon expecting ’ember showers’ due to wind in southern Interior

KAMLOOPS (NEWS 1130) — Wildfires in B.C.’s Southern Interior are becoming increasingly aggressive due to wind whipping up in the region, triggering a travel advisory for the Coquihalla and evacuation alerts for Vernon and Armstrong.

The July Mountain fire, burning between Hope and Merritt, jumped Highway 5 Friday. It is estimated at 5,669 hectares and is burning out of control.

The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the July Mountain fire (K61882), located approx 45 kms southwest of Merritt. This fire saw growth overnight and jumped to the east side of #BCHWY5. Aerial resources continue to respond to the excursion on the east side of the hwy. pic.twitter.com/RwR66njJOq

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 7, 2021

Fire Information Officer Jean Smart says the blaze grew significantly Thursday night due to gusty conditions, and crews are working on containing the spread as winds are expected to pick back up to 40 km/h.

“We’ve been hitting that jump on the other side of the highway hard with the aerial resources today, and have other resources assigned to that fire as well. I understand that it’s quite visible from the highway,” she says.

DriveBC has issued an advisory for a stretch of highway between Hope and Merritt, advising people to be cautious given low visibility.

7:18 – #BCHwy5 – Travel advisory remains in effect for the #Coquihalla between Coquihalla Lakes & Larson Hill due to wildfire activity. The road is open, but there is no stopping allowed. Expect decreased visibility due to smoke. #HopeBC #MerrittBC @YRBNicola @DriveBC
pic.twitter.com/pSr8zqd6BL

— NEWS 1130 Traffic (@NEWS1130Traffic) August 7, 2021

An evacuation order is in effect for 98 properties, with those fleeing being directed to Chilliwack.

The TNRD EOC has issued an Evacuation Order for 98 properties in the Kane Valley area of Electoral Area N due to threat from the July Mountain #BCWildfire. #BCHwy5 travel advisory in effect: https://t.co/7OXWvv2YaOhttps://t.co/egBZ5i85qW

— TNRD (@TNRD) August 7, 2021

The White Rock Lake fire continues to grow, with the wind making it even more difficult to fight or contain.

“I am based in Kamloops and I can see the wind has been picking up here for the last little while. It’s also been the case for a number of our fires, Smart explains.

“When you see such significant winds, that really elevates the fire behaviour. In addition to that, it creates really smoky conditions which can make it very difficult for our crews both on the ground and those trying to work from the air.”

“We are expecting similar winds to continue in the White Rock Lake area and other areas with the Kamloops fire centre, that’s something that we’re keeping an eye on.”

Aggressive fire behaviour and southwesterly winds, gusting upwards of 40 km/hr, are challenging suppression efforts on the White Rock Lake wildfire (K61884). Predominant fire growth this afternoon has occurred along the eastern perimeter, west of Westside Road. pic.twitter.com/QRCuUrMrnx

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 7, 2021

Vernon, Armstrong on evacuation alert

The fire has prompted an evacuation alert for parts of the City of Vernon, which is on the other side of Okanagan Lake. The potential for “ember showers” is one of the key concerns.

“Large fires like the White Rock Lake wildfire often create their own weather patterns. Sometimes with that comes an increase in debris being cast across a significant distance. Sometimes that debris can be large enough and hot enough to create an ember fire,” said Vernon Fire Chief David Lind.

“We ask that all residents maintain a heightened awareness of the evolving situation over the next 24 hours, watch for spot fire caused by embers—and should be prepared in advance for a potential Evacuation Order.”

The COV is issuing an Evacuation Alert for areas, northeast of Okanagan Lake. We are advising residents in the Cdn. Lake View Estates, Adventure Bay, Tronson Rd, Rise, Turtle Mtn & Blue Jay to be on alert and prepare for the possibility of evacuation. https://t.co/VsoXvp7GVs pic.twitter.com/oMynz7hKP5

— City of Vernon (@CityofVernon) August 7, 2021

The City of Vernon has issued an Evacuation Alert for areas within the City, northeast of Okanagan Lake. Residents are being asked to prepare should an Evacuation Order be issued. That includes arranging accommodations prior to an Evacuation Order. https://t.co/vVRWUJ2whC

— City of Vernon (@CityofVernon) August 6, 2021

Residents of the affected areas are being asked to keep a hose handy, and clear their properties of flammable debris to help mitigate some of the risk. They are also being urged to do everything possible to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, including arranging accommodations, and hooking up RVs or trailers.

An evacuation alert has also been issued for the entire city of Armstrong, which has a population of about 5,000.

#EvacuationAlert issued for the entire City of #ArmstrongBC and Township of Spallumcheen due to the White Rock Lake #BCwildfire.

More info: https://t.co/KLVcXF0rfl

— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) August 7, 2021

RELATED: ‘I’m thinking it’s probably gone’: Monte Lake wildfire evacuee unsure if home still standing

The White Rock Lake Fire is estimated at 45,000 hectares, and continues to burn out of control. The community of Monte Lake is reported to have been devastated Thursday night after it was ordered evacuated, but Smart says it is too dangerous for anyone to go in and assess the damage from the fire.

“My heart really goes out to anyone affected by any of the fires in the province, and especially those we saw affected last night by the White Rock Lake fire. It’s a scary experience in terms of the impact of the fire on that area.”

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Friday this fire is the province’s “highest priority.”