The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has been working closely with the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC regarding wildfires within and nearby the RDNO’s boundaries.
The RDNO has a team of staff ready 24/7 should they get a recommendation from BC Wildfire to place additional areas on Evacuation Alert or an Order or make changes to existing Alerts and Orders.
“With the long weekend approaching, we encourage residents and visitors to our area to remain vigilant, prepared, and safe as we navigate through this challenging wildfire season,” said Ashley Gregerson, RDNO’s Emergency Operations Centre information officer. “Review your emergency plan, check for local Alerts and Orders before travelling, and watch for updates.”
Because of the hot, dry conditions, the RDNO recommends that everyone prepare an emergency plan and pack a go-bag with important documents. Instructions on what to include are located here.
The RDNO has also updated fires within its region as of 3:45 p.m. Friday, July 30:
White Rock Lake Wildfire (#K61884)
The RDNO is closely monitoring this wildfire. The Evacuation Alert and Order remains in place and unchanged since it was issued on July 27. The Evacuation Order is in place for approximately 20 properties in the Pinaus Lake and Bouleau Lake area. The Evacuation Alert is in effect for approximately 60 properties in Electoral Area B to the west of OKIB IR #1.
There are currently 117 firefighters working on this fire, including 100 from Quebec. Conditions on site are extremely smoky, which is hampering the ability of aircraft to fly and challenging suppression efforts.
Given the forecasted weather conditions, fire growth is expected. To protect the safety of the public and first responders, the BC Wildfire Service will continue to evaluate the need for further evacuation order and alert recommendations.
This fire spans the boundaries of multiple regional districts and the Okanagan Indian Band lands. Evacuation Alerts and Orders are issued by the affected local governments on the recommendation of BC Wildfire, so for information outside of the RDNO’s boundaries, residents should check with their local authority.
Bunting Road Wildfire (#K41561)
The Evacuation Alert and Order remains in place and is unchanged since it was issued on July 26. The fire has been a challenging one for crews to fight since the terrain is steep, and the smoke has hindered the ability for aerial firefighting efforts to occur. The wildfire is expected to continue to move south. There are 13 firefighters and 2 helicopters working on the Bunting Road wildfire. The Mabel Lake Forest Service Road remains closed.
Winnifred Creek Wildfire (#K42042)
The Evacuation Alert remains in effect. If you are within the area identified on the map, now is the time to pack an emergency go-bag and prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. Please note that provincial campgrounds and rec sites are under the jurisdiction of the Government of British Columbia, so Alerts and Orders for those sites are issued by the province.
Two Mile Creek Wildfire (#K42078)
At this time, this fire on the east side of Mara Lake and within the Columbia Shuswap Regional District is not a threat to the properties within the RDNO’s boundaries along Mara Lake.
The Fires of Note webpage for all of the above as well as others in the Kamloops Fire Centre and around the province are listed here.
Becker Lake Wildfire
There have been reports of smoke sightings in this area, but the fire is contained. There are no active Evacuation Alerts or Orders in relation to this fire, and the RDNO does not expect this to change.
Greenhow Road Wildfire
The Township of Spallumcheen deactivated the Emergency Operation Centre related to the Greenhow Road wildfire Friday morning, July 30. The event has been determined concluded by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Chief who has confirmed the fire as “out.”
Earlier this week and up and until today the Armstrong Spallumcheen fire department crews continued to monitor the fire site with thermal imaging looking for and dealing with any hot spots that were detected.
Ian Cummings, Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Chief, said that “thermal imaging cameras are not detecting any hot spots and a week has passed since the last hot spot was seen.” Based on this information the township deactivated the Emergency Operation Centre related to this specific event.
READ MORE: Safe haven for animals evacuated from nearby wildfires set up at O’Keefe Ranch
READ MORE: UPDATE: Central Okanagan properties on evacuation alert as wildfire near
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism? Make a donation here.
