UPDATE: Evacuation alert extended due to Brenda Creek wildfire

UPDATE: 3:37 p.m.

While the Brenda Creek wildfire remains at 400 hectares the evacuation alert for the area the blaze has been considerably expanded within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area of the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

The alert continues to extend into portions of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) and Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD).

The evacuation alert zone within the RDOS includes Eneas Lakes Provincial Park. There are no properties or parcels sited within the evacuation alert zone.

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In order to assist with BC Wildfire with operations, road closures are in effect at the following locations:

Intersection of Trout Creek Forest Service Road and Princeton-Summerland Road
Intersection of Headwaters Road and Brenda Mine Road
Intersection of Sunset Road and Highway 97C

Residents, businesses and those camping in recreation sites within the alert boundary should be prepared and ready to leave on short notice if fire conditions require an evacuation order.

Search and rescue along with the RCMP have been deployed to conduct evacuation orders for the community of Headwaters, in Electoral Area H.

The wildfire poses a threat to residents and structures in Electoral Area “M” (Beautiful Nicola Valley-North) of the TNRD at:

12305 Bear Creek Road FSR;
1306 Hatheume Lake Rd;
145 Pennask Lake Rd; and

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BC Wildfire has six firefighters and three helicopters on site. Multiple pieces of heavy equipment are en route.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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UPDATE (1:15 p.m.):

The wildfire burning at Brenda Creek is now estimated at 400 hectares in size, according to an update from BC Wildfire.

Six BC Wildfire personnel are responding to the blaze, alongside one helicopter. Multiple pieces of heavy equipment are en route.

UPDATE (12:30 p.m.):

An evacuation alert remains in effect for a portion of the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area in the Regional District of Central Okanagan due to the Brenda Creek wildfire.

The area under alert is south of Highway 97 C and northwest of Peachland. Most of this region is mostly rural Crown land.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operation team is working with BC Hydro to plan for any potential interruption in electrical service for those in Peachland, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation Reserves #9 and #10 and areas within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area.

Check bchydro.com for information regarding power outages and how to stay safe during an extended outage.

For information on emergency preparedness as well as wildfire risks and how to make a plan and prepare a go-bag in the event of an evacuation order, visit cordemergency.ca.

UPDATE (10:20 a.m.):

The Brenda Creek wildfire has grown to 250 hectares in size, according to an update from BC Wildfire.

The Brenda Creek wildfire (K51924) was showing very aggressive fire behaviour throughout the night. Due to the heightened fire activity, the @RDOSinfo issued an Evacuation Order for 43 properties in the area. The fire is now estimated to be 250 ha & is "Out of Control". https://t.co/FOcXoCyoKi

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 15, 2021

Ground personnel and helicopters are on site battling the blaze. The fire is located south of the Okanagan Connector, approximately 40 km from West Kelowna.

ORIGINAL (7:30 a.m.):

An evacuation order was issued Thursday morning (July 15) for 41 properties located near the wildfire burning at Brenda Creek, just outside of West Kelowna.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) issued the order at 4:30 a.m., due to the “immediate danger to life safety” that the wildfire poses. The fire sparked on Wednesday and is measured at 80 hectares in size, according to BC Wildfire Service.

The evacuation order is in effect for the following properties: