No Additional Evacuation Order Rescinds Expected Tonight
Central Okanagan, B.C. – The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre does not expect to rescind any evacuation orders in the Central Okanagan this evening.
Returning residents to their homes is one of our top priorities, and we want to ensure that this is done in the most efficient and timely manner possible. Working alongside BC Wildfire Service, we continue to evaluate orders and alerts.
State of Local Emergency has been extended to August 31, 2023 in the Regional District of the Central Okanagan Electoral Area West, City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and the City of Kelowna and to September 1, 2023 in the District of Lake Country to allow local governments continue efforts to fight fires, secure neighbourhoods and fire affect areas and support residents as they prepare to return to their homes.
Property owners who remain on evacuation order in West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area can now search to see if their property has incurred losses by visiting www.cordemergency.ca/propertyinfo. When a property owner learns their property has experienced damaged, it’s important to complete the contact form on the website.
Owners of damaged property in the District of Lake Country and the City of Kelowna have already been notified.
In the coming week, owners of properties experiencing loss will be contacted with more information about the specific damage to their property and information about when owners may have their first opportunity to see the damage in person. After the initial visit has occurred, more information will be shared about when owners will be able to access their property to start the recovery process.
View the up-to-date evacuation order and alert areas on cordemergency.ca/map.
As Evacuation Orders are downgraded, residents returning home can access frequently asked questions and other resources at cordemergency.ca to aid in a safe return.
The public is reminded, for their safety and that of fire crews, not to enter areas under an Evacuation Order. Many areas still exist where active firefighting is underway and ongoing dangers like downed power lines, hazardous materials, damaged trees, debris and equipment pose risks.
Residents are asked to stay up to date with the status of evacuation alerts and orders through the CORD emergency site and to also subscribe to receive e-updates. Go online to cordemergency.ca. View the up-to-date evacuation order and alert areas on cordemergency.ca/map.
For more information, contact the information line at 250-469-8490 (local) or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free). While we welcome all inquiries, the Emergency Operation Centre is also appealing to the public to only call the public information line if their matter is urgent, if they are on Evacuation Order or if they have been called to confirm a loss on their property. This will allow the Emergency Operations Centre the time to focus resources on helping those who need it most at this difficult time. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
For municipal and local government information such as boat launch, park and road closures, visit their websites:
