21,000 gallon containers have been placed around Spallumcheen.
Image Credit: Township of Spallumcheen
August 29, 2021 - 12:10 PM
Spallumcheen residents will likely see water dams and large bins filled with water today as the town prepares for a 3,000 ha planned ignition on the White Rock Lake wildfire tomorrow.
The ignition is tentatively set for tomorrow if the weather cooperates for the fire’s northeast flank. In preparation, the town announced B.C. Wildfire Service crews will be lighting small test fires today to determine if conditions are favourable for the large ignition and residents may see more smoke, according to the town’s press release.
READ MORE: ‘No significant growth’ on wildfire burning in North and Central Okanagan
As part of the preparation work for this planned ignition, B.C. Wildfire and the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department have placed large blue containers in strategic locations around Spallumcheen, according to the town.
Each container holds 21,000 gallons of water and will be used by structural protection crews if necessary. In addition, 13 water bladders have been placed around the town which each hold 2,500 gallons of water.
This is a precautionary measure only and there are currently no indicators that the fire is set to enter Spallumcheen’s borders, according to the town.
“The White Rock Lake wildfire is consuming deep burning fuels which are persistent throughout the east flank of the fire. Deep burning fuels make it extremely difficult to bring a fire to full extinguishment. As such they have advised that the planned ignitions are the most favourable tactic to gain control while also maintaining an appropriate safety margin for firefighters,” according to the town.
The wildfire is burning to the west of Okanagan Lake and is currently mapped at 81,362 hectares in size.
An evacuation alert is currently in effect for part of the town. For more information, visit the town's website.
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