Ash from White Rock Lake fire falls on Kamloops as new evacuation alerts issued around the fire

Photo: Kristen Holliday

Ash is beginning to fall on some parts of Kamloops.

The ash, and dark brown smoke enveloping the city, is believed to be from the White Rock Lake fire, burning near Westwold, southeast of the city.

The wildfire, discovered two weeks ago, has grown to 12,500 hectares in size.

A new evacuation alert for the south-west corner of Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area D was issued Monday evening.It includes Will Lake and the west end of Pinaus Lake.

Affected addresses include: 6439, 6445, 6453, 6491, 6493, 6495, 6497, 6567, 6575, and 6633 Pinaus Lake Forest Service Road.

Evacuation orders for several properties within Area L and evacuation alerts for properties in Area L and M have been issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

On its wildfires of note page, the BC Wildfire Service says fire behaviour did increase significantly Sunday due to elevated temperatures and increased winds.

"This aggressive fire behaviour caused growth to the northwest in the Sawmill Lake and Jimmy Lake areas, and produced a large column of smoke. This elevated behaviour is occurring again this morning in the same areas. Extensive smoke and more growth is occurring.

"This increased fire activity is expected to continue in the coming days as hot, dry and windy conditions will persist. No precipitation is anticipated in the near future. These conditions will continue to challenge fire suppression efforts and cause additional growth on this fire."