UPDATE (3 p.m.):
An evacuation order issued for RDNO Electoral Area “B” properties on the west of Okanagan Lake and above Westside Road due to the White Rock Lake wildfire has been downgraded to an evacuation alert.
The properties now under alert are as follows:
• 140, 464 of Whiteman Creek Road
• 252, 351, 425, 485, 631, 635, 400 block of Nashwito Road
• 17, 65 of Cain Road
• 75, 79, 305, 311, 315 of Beau Park Road
• 10, 15, 50, 93 of Banks Road
(Regional District of North Okanagan)
The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) also partially rescinded an evacuation order for the area south of Mudhole Road to Pinecrest Road, including Qui Qui Tasket Road. An evacuation order, however, remains in place for all addresses within Mini-Shadows Road.
An evacuation alert is still in place for all addresses south of Mudhole Road to the southern area of IR 1, including Whiteman’s Creek, Lawrence Beach and Parker Cove, as well as for properties west of Highway 97, south of Irish Creek Road and all addresses south of Goodwater Drive to Mudhole Road.
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Although BC Wildfire Service classified the White Rock Lake wildfire as being held on Thursday (Sept. 2), Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said that they do not expect evacuation orders or alerts for some Westside Road properties to be lifted over the Labour Day long weekend.
A total of 18 properties on Bouleau Lake Road remain under an evacuation order, while 2,259 properties from Estamont, Ewings Landing, Killiney Beach and Westshore Estates remain under evacuation alert due to wildfire, which is measured at 83,342 hectares.
On Friday, evacuation alerts for properties from Caesars Landing to Fintry in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area were rescinded.
READ MORE: Additional evacuation alerts lifted on White Rock Lake fire on Westside
This includes the following areas: Barcelona Dr E, Fintry Delta Rd, Kelly Pl, Marbella Loop, Santa Fe Way, Shorts Road, Valencia Way, Westside Rd N (6445N Westside Rd to 6808N Westside Road), Dunwaters Rd, Fintry Provincial Park, La Palma Loop, Morden Rd, Santiago Loop, Terazona Dr, Verona Loop, Wood Rd, Fairbridge Rd, Gray Rd, Madrid Way, Muir Rd, Shalal Rd, Toledo Dr, 6409- 7355 Westside Rd.
A drone conducted an aerial assessment Saturday morning, and the public is asked to stay off Westside Road and out of the area to ensure access for emergency responders and local residents. Returning residents are asked to access their properties from the south along Westside Road, as the north end of the road remains closed until further notice.
WIth access restored to the majority of Central Okanagan West Electoral properties this week, Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said that support for the wildfire is now moving into the recovery phase.
A dedicated recovery office for returning residents and property owners who experienced significant structural damage has been launched. Information and resources, including the Returning Home Information guide, are available here. Starting Tuesday, residents can email recovery@rdco.com or call 250-469-6111.
READ MORE: UPDATE: White Rock Lake fire ‘held’ after 52 days
@aaron_hemensaaron.hemens@kelownacapnews.com
