The Vernon B.C. Wildfire camp

(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

A firefighter that was sent to hospital after falling down a steep slope didn't suffer any substantial injuries and is back on the job.

Yesterday, Aug. 27, the firefighter was injured in a 100 foot fall during routine mop-up activities on the White Rock Lake wildfire burning in the North and Central Okanagan.

"The firefighter was working along a steep section of the control line when they lost their footing and took a tumble downhill. Medical aid was on-site and responded accordingly. The injured worker was taken to the Kelowna General Hospital via aerial and ground transportation as a precautionary measure. No substantial injuries were sustained and the worker has now returned to the fire camp," reads the B.C. Wildfire Service's latest online update this morning, Aug. 27.

READ MORE: Firefighter on White Rock Lake wildfire rushed to hospital after 100 foot fall

The White Rock Lake Wildfire remains active and out of control but “weather is cooperating with the efforts of B.C. Wildfire, and amazing work is being done by several agencies,” said North Westside Fire Rescue chief Alex Van Bruksvoort, in a press release issued by the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre.

“Dangerous areas are persistent, but are being dealt with daily and North Westside Fire Rescue firefighters continue to do patrols."

Wildfire crews continue to see positive progress along all flanks of the fire, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. Danger tree assessments are currently being completed along the west flank of the fire in preparation for having military personnel commence patrolling in the area tomorrow.

The evacuation order for 1,316 properties and an alert for 850 properties, in the North Westside communities within the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, remains unchanged. Residents can visit the emergency centre's website to determine if their property is on an order or alert.

The wildfire has directly impacted 78 Central Okanagan properties and the operations centre has contacted most of the owners whose properties have sustained significant structural damage. Property assessment work is ongoing as conditions allow and is subject to change as crews gain further access to affected areas, according to the operations centre.

Central Okanagan evacuees can find out more about Emergency Support Services by calling 250-469-8512 or by visiting the Central Okanagan ESS Reception Centre at 1480 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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