White Rock Lake Update No. 46

News Release No. 46 Central Okanagan, B.C. — There was no significant growth of the White Rock Lake wildfire, which remains at 81,362 hectare and is classified as out of control by BC Wildfire Services. The evacuation Order for 1,316 properties and 850 properties on Alert in the North Westside communities within the Regional District of the Central Okanagan (RDCO) remain in place.

“RCMP are doing patrols on the water, and in all areas of North Westside to help ensure people are staying out of the area as we continue our fire suppression efforts and put out hotspots. North Westside residents are reminded that the area is still considered a live fire zone and there continue to be various hazards as a result of the wildfire.” says Fire Chief Alex Van Bruksvoort. “The agencies that are in the area are working under strict guidelines to keep everyone and everything safe.”

Yesterday afternoon, 5 mm of rain was received in the Fintry area, as well as minimal amounts in other areas of the fire. As a result of rain received in the Six Mile Creek area, conditions on-site today are again not favourable for the 3000-hectare planned ignition operation.

The expansive size of the fire continues to require a substantial workforce to ensure mop-up and patrol operations are thorough throughout the entire fire perimeter. Yesterday, 60 Canadian Armed Forces personnel arrived on-site and beginning today, an additional 60 will arrive to assist with patrol efforts along the west and north flanks of the fire.

Given hot spots continue to be extinguished and ongoing mop-up activity, special access permits are not being considered at this time for residents to access the Evacuation Order area.

Property assessment work is ongoing as conditions allow, and is subject to change as crews gain further access to affected areas. To date 78 properties have been confirmed as having sustained significant damage. Those owners have been contacted. As assessment work continues it is likely that additional properties under evacuation order will have had some damage that could cause the home to be temporarily unsafe to live in until remediation work can be undertaken.

Central Okanagan evacuees can find out more about Emergency Support Services by calling 250-469-8512 or by visiting the Central Okanagan ESS Reception Centre at 1480 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, open noon to 6 p.m. today. The following rules apply:

• Evacuated residents WITH homeowner or tenant insurance will not be given an extension for coverage and should immediately contact their insurance provider to find out what coverage is available.
• Evacuated residents WITHOUT homeowner or tenant insurance may receive support and should contact Emergency Support Services.

You can visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada for more information on the process of an insurance claim as a result of a BC wildfire at www.ibc.ca/ns/disaster/bcwildfire.

There are eligibility requirements for emergency support services. Homeowner or tenant insurance may provide greater support than the Emergency Support Services program. Check with your insurer to determine what may be available to you. For details on eligibility, see the Evacuee Living Assistance Policy (PDF, 378KB).

For more information about this wildfire, visit cordemergency.ca, BC Wildfire Services and sign up for e-updates, follow the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre on facebook.com/cordemergency or twitter.com/CO_emerg or call the information line at 250-469-8490.