The White Rock Lake wildfire, Aug. 6, 2021.
Image Credit: B.C. Wildfire Service
August 07, 2021 - 12:48 PM
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District is reporting structures have been damaged in the Parker Cove area, after initially reporting structures had been lost.
Despite extremely challenging conditions, B.C. Wildfire Service crews were able to hold the flank of the fire affecting Westwold, Falkland, and Cedar Hill. There were no structure losses in the Falkland area and many structures were saved in the Fintry area as well, according to the regional district.
"With a small amount of precipitation and higher humidity, BCWS is hoping for continued success in holding that Falkland flank of the fire for the next 24-hours," according to the district's most recent update, posted this afternoon.
The fire is roughly 55,000 hectares in size and remains very active in the Monte Lake area as well as the east side of the blaze, according to the regional district.
"This had a significant impact to communities on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Structure damages were reported in the Parker Cove area," according to the district. Parker Cove is located on Westside Road.
CSRD communications officer Tracey Hughes said assessments are underway and didn't have additional details at this time.
The Regional District of the Central Okanagan and Okanagan Indian Band also reported there has been no confirmed structure losses within their jurisdictions.
B.C. Wildfire Service information officer Hannah Swift said she did not have any information on structure damages or losses as it's between the regional districts and property owners.
Multiple structures have already been destroyed in the Monte Lake area, as reported by the Thompson Nicola Regional District's board chair.
There was concern about the fire jumping to the east side of Okanagan Lake but firefighters crews were able to prevent ash and embers from igniting on that side, according to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
The wildfire service will be re-assessing all the evacuation orders and alert recommendations in the next few hours.
There has been no word yet on when Highway 97 may be reopened to traffic.
- The headline and content of this story has changed significantly since it was first reported. After initially stating that structures were lost, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District amended its statement to say structures were damaged. This story was updated at 1:55 p.m. to reflect the changes.
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