White Rock Lake wildfire downgraded from fire of note status

Photo: Nicholas Johansen

Destruction from the White Rock Lake fire in the Ewings Landing area, off Westside Road.

As command of the White Rock Lake fire transitions to local authorities this weekend, the BC Wildfire Service says the fire is no longer considered a "fire of note."

That is the designation given to the highest priority fires in the province, which pose the highest threat to infrastructure and communities.

Since its lightning-caused start on July 13, the fire burned a total of 83,342 hectares across a broad swath of the B.C. Interior, spanning from the shores of Okanagan Lake west to Douglas Lake Ranch, north to Monte Lake and south almost to Fintry.

Almost all the fire is considered under control, except for an area above the Banks Creek drainage that has yet to burn its way down to a control line where it can safely be extinguished. That area is considered held, but there is no risk of further growth.

Most of the fire is in "patrol" status, and all perimeters of the fire continue to be monitored.

Smoking stumps and roots are expected to burn into the winter.

The Vernon fire camp at Kin Racetrack will begin demobilization this weekend.

The Wildfire Service thanks the community for its support and posted a video thanking all the personnel who supported response efforts throughout the duration of the fire.

"Thank you all for your commitment, service, passion, empathy and courage," said incident commander Scott Rennick.