The District of West Kelowna declared a Local State of Emergency and evacuated six properties along Hitchner Road due to flooding of McDougall Creek Wednesday evening.
Earlier, a dike along McDougall Creek near Hitchner Road was breached by high stream flow which resulted in the creek flow being redirected through an orchard and flooding four homes, with four more in jeopardy of being flooded if water flow increases. The evacuated homes are between 3982 and 4040 Hitchner Road and 1860 Jennens Road.
The Regional Emergency Plan was enacted and a Level 1 Emergency Operations Centre activated.
West Kelowna Fire Rescue crews are on scene working to protect the homes and return the creek to its natural course.
Emergency Support Services established a Reception Centre at the Best Western Hotel, 3460 Carrington Road to receive and assist evacuees.
The Emergency Operations Centre and West Kelowna Fire Rescue are carefully watching the situation and will advise the public if any other properties are in danger of flooding. The public and media can access information on the new Regional Emergency Program website at www.cordemergency.ca.
