TNRD issues evacuation alert for 165 properties, White Rock Lake wildfire now estimated at 4,352 ha.

UPDATE: 7:28 p.m.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is issuing an evacuation alert for 165 properties due to the White Rock Lake wildfire.

A full list and a map of the properties affected by the evacuation alert can be found on the TNRD website.

“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation, however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions," the TNRD said in a statement.

The TNRD said residents should pack essential items, fill vehicles with gas and prepare to move pets and livestock to a safe area.

An evacuation order was also issued on Tuesday evening for 32 properties in the Westwold area due to the fire.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, crews and resources are expecting to be challenged by an increase in fire behaviour on Tuesday through to Wednesday.

“The use of air tankers has been hampered by high winds, heavy smoke and steep terrain,” the wildfire service said.

“The BC Wildfire Service will continue to reevaluate the opportunity for air tanker support, and air tankers may be used to apply retardant to the fire if conditions allow.”

As of Tuesday evening, the fire is estimated at 4,352 hectares in size.

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ORIGINAL: 6:17 p.m.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued another evacuation order for 32 properties near Westwold due to the White Rock Lake wildfire.

A list and map of the properties affected by the evacuation order can be found on the TNRD website.

Residents are asked to leave the area immediately.

The TNRD said if residents are leaving their primary home, they should stay with friends and family for the night and report to the McArthur Island Sports Centre on Wednesday to register for emergency support services.

According to the TNRD, there is no commercial lodging currently available in Kamloops.

The TNRD said if evacuees can’t stay with family or friends, they can go to the Salvation Army building in Kelowna for group lodging.

This is the third evacuation order issued for properties in the Westwold area.

On Monday, the TNRD issued an order for 28 properties from 4523 Back Rd. to 5073 Back Rd. and 6866 Douglas Lake Rd. to 7660 Douglas Lake Rd.

On Sunday night, an evacuation order was issued for 13 properties between 7820 Douglas Lake Rd. and 8640 Douglas Lake Rd.

An evacuation alert is also in place for other properties in Electoral Areas L and M.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the White Rock Lake wildfire is estimated at 4,352 hectares in size, an increase of more than 1,300 hectares since Monday, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

The BC Wildfire Service said “significant growth” occurred to the northeast of the blaze on Monday, with more growth expected Tuesday.

“Crews and resources will be challenged by an increase in fire behaviour. Additional ground crews are expected to arrive on this fire throughout the coming days,” the wildfire service said.

Two BC Wildfire Service firefighters, 11 crew members from local fire departments, and 27 support staff are assigned to fight the blaze, along with one structural protection unit and 22 pieces of heavy equipment.

Ground crews are supported by three helicopters.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the area will be “operationally challenging” for air tankers due to steep slopes, strong winds and heavy smoke.