RDCO Update White Rock Lake wildfire

White Rock Lake Wildfire

News Release No. 11 Central Okanagan, B.C. – The Regional District of Central Okanagan is awaiting further information from the BC Wildfire Service in order to determine whether there will be any change today in the status of the present Evacuation Order and Alert in light of the ongoing and active White Rock Lake wildfire.

At this point, there is no change in either the Evacuation Order or Alert.

A further update will be provided via the www.cordemergency.ca website and sent to those who have e-subscribed.

BC Wildfire says the fire saw minimal growth today and is estimated at 55,700 hectares.  It remains out of control.  While BC Wildfire indicates current weather conditions have resulted in diminished fire behavior in some areas, its’ anticipated that a return to warm and dry conditions later in the week could see more active fire behavior.

Structural firefighters from North Westside Fire Rescue are patrolling in its service area and along with BC Wildfire firefighters and equipment are providing protection and FireSmart practises to area properties.

This afternoon, BC Hydro restored electrical service along Westside Road. The power had been out since Friday evening.  For the latest information visit www.bchydro.com/outages.

We recognize there have been reports from residents of structural damage in the rural, forested area to the west of the Westshore Estates subdivision. The Emergency Operations Centre is working with BC Wildfire to confirm this information for this area, which is outside of official structural fire protection service area boundaries.

Emergency Support Services volunteers are staffing a reception centre at 1480 Sutherland Avenue in Kelowna.  Its’ open today until 8 p.m. to assist residents with in-person registration, and those requiring food and lodging assistance.  The centre will be open tomorrow (Monday) from 12 – 8 p.m.

Emergency response personnel request that the public:

  • Avoid the wildfire Evacuation Order area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
  • Please only call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.
  • Call *5555 on a cell phone to report a wildfire.
  • Monitor cordemergency.ca, facebook.com/cordemergency or twitter.com/CO_emerg for official situation updates and preparedness information

For more information about this wildfire, visit cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates, or call the information line at 250-469-8490.