The White Rock Lake wildfire as seen from the Okanagan Indian Band, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021. Cooler temperatures and rain have reduced fire activity.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/OKIB
August 17, 2021 - 2:22 PM
The White Rock Lake wildfire has destroyed 10 homes and one business on Okanagan Indian Band land along Westside Road near Vernon, and work is already underway to develop a recovery plan.
The homes and the well-known Little Kingdom Gas Bar were destroyed, while four dwellings were damaged when the wildfire rolled into the community this past weekend.
The area received about 10 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, according to a release from the band today, Aug. 17.
READ MORE: Emergency officials now say 70 structures damaged on west side of Okanagan Lake by White Rock Lake wildfire
“Thanks to the rain and the drop in temperature as well as quick action from BC Wildfire and structural protection personnel there have been no additional confirmed structural losses within Okanagan Indian Band IR#1,” the band said.
An evacuation order remains in place but it is being reviewed.
The well-known Little Kingdom Gas Bar was destroyed by the White Rock Lake wildfire.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Shane Miller/BannockSlap Burgers and Indian Tacos
"On the recovery front, OKIB has already begun to work on a recovery plan for our community," the band said. "There will be more complete information coming from the emergency operations centre regarding the re-entry process for areas which have been impacted by the wildfire forthcoming. We are also in discussion with Emergency Management BC regarding setting up the ability for an OKIB wildfire donation service."
Another 70 structures were damaged further south in the Killiny Beach and Ewings Landings area.
The cool, damper weather has meant that some evacuation alerts triggered by the White Rock Lake fire have been eased.
READ MORE: Evacuation alert for Kamloops rescinded
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