Fires continue to grow out of control, spurred by high winds, hot temperatures and little rain throughout B.C.'s interior. (submitted photo/BC Wildfire Service)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

INTERIOR ABLAZE

Aggressive Interior wildfires triggers hundreds of evacuation orders & highway closures

Aug 16, 2021 | 12:13 PM

NANAIMO — High winds and hot temperatures are driving aggressive fire behaviour on a number of fronts in the province’s interior.

The newly sparked Mt. Law wildfire is threatening properties around Peachland and West Kelowna and has grown rapidly to 800 hectares, or eight square kilometers, since lighting on Sunday. Officials believe it to be human caused.

Evacuation orders cover about 500 properties in the Glenrosa neighbourhood of West Kelowna, while evacuation alerts are posted for many more homes.

Elsewhere, the White Rock Lake wildfire continues to burn out of control on the west side of Okanagan Lake and threatens communities like Vernon, Armstrong and Enderby along with eastern portions of Kamloops.

The BC Wildfire Service lists it at 57,947 hectares.

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A statement from the Regional District of Central Okanagan said “multiple structures” experienced “significant damage” due to the White Rock Lake wildfire, which has already levelled properties in the Monte Lake, Westwold and Bouleau Lake areas between Kamloops and Vernon.

The White Rock Lake wildfire, west of Vernon, continues to burn out of control and has destroyed multiple buildings. (submitted photo/BC Wildfire Service)

The entire town of Merritt is on evacuation alert in connection to the 62,000 hectare Lytton Creek wildfire, which destroyed much of Lytton over Canada Day.

Growth of various fires in the area forced the closure of the Coquihalla Hwy. between Hope and Merritt on Sunday, Aug. 15, with flames on both side of the roadway making travel dangerous.

Non-essential travel to and within fire-affected areas is discouraged to help avoid traffic congestion on evacuation routes.

Anyone who must travel on Interior highways adjacent to wildfires must prepare for possible delays or closures. Along with traveling with a full tank of gas, food, water, and other emergency supplies.

The situation on Vancouver Island continues to remain favourable, with just one active fire listed by the BC Wildfire Service.

The Copper Canyon fire remains at 32 hectares and is listed as ‘being held’ by crews.

— with files from The Canadian Press, CFJC Today & Vernon Matters.

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