News Release No. 17Date: July 19, 2014 Time: 5:05 p.m.
West Kelowna, B.C. – As public safety is paramount, the Regional Emergency Operations Centre unfortunately advises that no one will be allowed to return to their homes this evening.
All Evacuation Orders and Alerts remain in effect for an estimated 2,500 people living in approximately 1,100 homes.
The Incident Commander has determined that based on an assessment of active fire behaviour and weather conditions, especially this afternoon’s gusty winds, no one will be able to go home this evening. Public safety is the number one priority.
Any change in status will be posted to the www.cordemergency.ca website and via local media.
The Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at Mount Boucherie Secondary School, 2751 Cameron Road in West Kelowna, will close tonight at 10:00 pm and reopen at 8:30 am tomorrowto provide assistance to those affected residents.
Evacuated residents with animals that have any concerns may contact the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART) at 250-470-0694.
The BC Wildfire Management Branch estimates the fire at 260-hectares in size and 30% contained. The Branch says due to the extreme fire behaviour experienced with the Smith Creek fire, continued high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds, safety remains the top priority.
For the latest information and updated maps of the evacuation order and evacuation alert visitwww.cordemergency.ca.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Okanagan Lake boaters stay away from the active area where helicopters and other aircraft may be filling with water. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency. · Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.
The Emergency Operations Centre is receiving a number of requests from members of the public who want to show their appreciation to emergency services and support functions. The best way to do this is for residents to make sure they are prepared for the next emergency. When residents and businesses are prepared for emergencies, first responders can do a better job of responding to critical needs.
Go to www.cordemergency.ca for the latest news and updated maps of the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas. Read updated posts at www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency or follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/CO_Emerg. The public information line is 250-469-8490.
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News Release No. 16Date: July 19, 2014 Time: 15:45 p.m.
West Kelowna, B.C. – Evacuation orders remain in effect for Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge, Alexandria Way and Shannon Woods. Another 151 residents remain on Evacuation Alert on Lenz Road, including Pinewood Villa Mobile Home Park and from 1898 to 2515 Bartley Road.
The fire is still active and orders and alerts will be rescinded once it is safe to do so. In total, an estimated 2,500 residents from approximately 1,100 homes are evacuated. Crews are working hard to return people to their homes as soon as possible. The BC Wildfire Management Branch reports that the Smith Creek Fire is 260 hectares and 30 percent contained.
There are currently BC Wildfire Management Branch, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and Kelowna fire personnel and three skimmers, five helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment responding to the fire. BC Wildfire Management Branch advises that crews have established a guard along the eastern side of the fire. Sections of guard have also been completed along the south and west sides of the fire. Today’s crews are working to join and reinforce sections of the guard.
As new information becomes available it will be reported out. Citizens are encouraged to go towww.cordemergency.ca for the latest news and updated maps of the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas. Read updated posts at www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency or follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/CO_Emerg. The public information line is 250-469-8490.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Okanagan Lake boaters stay away from the active area where helicopters and other aircraft may be filling with water. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency. · Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.
- 30 – News Release No. 15Date: July 19, 2014 Time: 12:00 p.m.
West Kelowna, B.C. – Evacuation orders remain in effect for Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge, Alexandria Way and Shannon Woods. Another 151 residents remain on Evacuation Alert on Lenz Road, including Pinewood Villa Mobile Home Park and from 1898 to 2515 Bartley Road.
The fire is still active and orders and alerts will be rescinded once it is safe to do so. Crews are working hard to return people to their homes as soon as possible. The BC Wildfire Management Branch reports that the Smith Creek Fire is 260 hectares and 30 percent contained. In total, an estimated 2,500 residents from approximately 1,100 homes are evacuated.
At this time, fire retardant guards are in place around BC Hydro lines in the vicinity of the Smith Creek fire and crews are continuing to create fire breaks.
Citizens are encouraged to go to www.cordemergency.ca for the latest news and updated maps of the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas. Read updated posts atwww.facebook.com/CORDEmergency or follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/CO_Emerg. The public information line is 250-469-8490.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Okanagan Lake boaters stay away from the active area where helicopters and other aircraft may be filling with water. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency. · Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.
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News Release No. 14Date: July 19, 2014 Time: 9:20 a.m.
West Kelowna, B.C. – An Evacuation Order remains in effect for Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge, Alexandria Way and Shannon Woods neighbourhoods. In total, an estimated 2,500 residents from approximately 1,100 homes are evacuated.
Another 151 residents remain on Evacuation Alert on Lenz Road, including Pinewood Villa Mobile Home Park and from 1898 to 2515 Bartley Road.
No change in the status of the fire has been reported since Friday night. The BC Wildfire Management Branch is due to issue an update at 10 a.m. The branch last estimated the fire size at 250-hectares on Friday evening before night fell. At that time the branch also estimated the fire was 20% contained at that time.
At this time, the risk to hydro lines being affected by the Smith Creek fire is not as great as it was Friday. However, residents should still be prepared to be self sufficient in the event of any power interruption should circumstances change.
In order to continue to provide adequate water supplies for the fire-fighting effort, residents living west of the W.R. Bennett Bridge are asked to continue restricting their household water use and not to water outdoors.
Citizens are encouraged to go to www.cordemergency.ca for the latest news and updated maps of the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas. Read updated posts atwww.facebook.com/CORDEmergency or follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/CO_Emerg. The public information line is 250-469-8490.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Okanagan Lake boaters stay away from the active area where helicopters and other aircraft may be filling with water. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency. · Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.
- 30 - News Release No. 13Date: July 18, 2014 Time: 21:00
West Kelowna, B.C. – Fire fighters from West Kelowna, Lake Country and Kelowna fire departments are on patrol through the night on the Smith Creek fire. They’re attending and extinguishing any hot spots or area flare ups that might occur.
Residents are asked that if they see any fire activity related specifically to the Smith Creek fire, not to call 9-1-1 as crews are actively patrolling all areas of the fire.
The fire is estimated to be 250-hectares in size, having been reduced earlier this evening by the BC Wildfire Management Branch from 400-hectares that was announced this afternoon. The branch estimates the fire is 20% contained.
Emergency Support Services has received a tremendous outpouring of offers and generosity from citizens across the Central Okanagan and from all over British Columbia and thanks people for coming forward. There have been hundreds of offers of available accommodation for those residents that are out of their homes. While no goods or services are currently required, people who would like to offer accommodation may contact ESS volunteers at 250-870-5160.
Evacuation Orders remain in effect for about 2,500 residents of almost 1,100 homes while those on another 151 properties remain on Evacuation Alert and must be prepared to leave their homes on short notice should conditions change.
At this time, the risk to hydro lines being affected by the Smith Creek fire is not as great as it was earlier today. However, residents should still be prepared to be self sufficient in the event of any power interruption should circumstances change.
In order to continue to provide adequate water supplies for the fire-fighting effort, residents living west of the W.R. Bennett Bridge are asked to continue restricting their household water use and not to water outdoors.
Citizens are encouraged to go to www.cordemergency.ca for the latest news and updated maps of the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas. Read updated posts atwww.facebook.com/CORDEmergency or follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/CO_Emerg. The public information line is 250-469-8490.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Okanagan Lake boaters stay away from the active area where helicopters and other aircraft may be filling with water. · Monitor www.cordemergency.ca, for confirmed information about the situation. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency. · Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.
- 30 - News Release No. 12Date: July 18, 2014 Time: 18:00
West Kelowna, B.C. – The Smith Creek fire remains active at approximately 400 hectares.
All previous Evacuation Orders and Alerts remain in effect for about 2,100 residents in just over 1,200 homes.
At this time, the risk to hydro lines being affected by the Smith Creek fire is not as great as it was earlier today. However, residents should still be prepared to be self sufficient in the event of any power interruption should circumstances change.
Activity has been steady throughout the day with more than 600 residents registering with Emergency Support Services at the Reception Centre located at Mount Boucherie Secondary School, 2751 Cameron Road in West Kelowna. Volunteers are there to help evacuated residents with food and lodging needs and may be busy this evening as those who were evacuated last night and have not yet been able to register, take the time to do so. Since the start of the event, 1,400 people have received ESS assistance.
Evacuees are reminded that the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART) has been busy at the reception centre assisting those needing help with their animals. As of 3PM CDART and dog control officers have rescued 16 horses, 21 dogs and 21 cats for people residing within the evacuation area.
RCMP wish to express thanks to the residents along the 2200 block of Shannon Ridge Drive who remain in their homes but are generously supporting the Command Post with power and access to other amenities.
In order to continue to provide adequate water supplies for the fire-fighting effort, residents living west of the W.R. Bennett Bridge are asked to continue restricting their household water use and not to water outdoors.
Citizens are encouraged to go to www.cordemergency.ca for the latest news and updated maps of the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas. Read updated posts atwww.facebook.com/CORDEmergency or follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/CO_Emerg. The public information line is 250-469-8490.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Okanagan Lake boaters stay away from the active area where helicopters and other aircraft may be filling with water. · Monitor www.cordemergency.ca, for confirmed information about the situation. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency. · Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.
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News Release No. 11Date: July 18, 2014 Time: 15:00
West Kelowna, B.C. – Members of the public looking for the latest information from the Emergency Operations Centre on the Smith Creek Fire have several options including a website, social media or a public information line.
Citizens are encouraged to go to www.cordemergency.ca for the latest news and updated maps of the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas. Read updated posts atwww.facebook.com/CORDEmergency or follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/CO_Emerg. The public information line is 250-469-8490.
The Smith Creek Fire is estimated to be 400 hectares. Aircraft and ground crews continue to vigorously attack the blaze, build fire guards and work towards containment.
Approximately 2,500 residents from almost 1,100 homes remain out on Evacuation Order. Areas affected by the Evacuation Order are Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge, Alexandria Way and Shannon Woods. Residents from about 150 properties on Lenz Road, including the Pinewood Villa Mobile Home Park and from 1898 to 2515 Bartley Road also remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice should fire behaviour increase.
Westside residents are asked to be prepared for possible power outages as a result of the Smith Creek Fire.
You and your family should be prepared for at least 72 hours without power or basic services such as clean water. Basic essential items include non-perishable food for all family members, 2 litres of water per person per day, flashlights, batteries, cash, medications or other special needs items, first aid kit and emergency contact information, passports and identification. More information on what to include in an emergency kit and how you can prepare in the event of a power outage is available at www.getprepared.gc.ca.
Residents who reside within the evacuation order area are asked to register in person with Emergency Support Services reception centre, located at Mount Boucherie Secondary School,2751 Cameron Road in West Kelowna. Residents who have been evacuated will receive food and accommodation vouchers for 72 hours. If the evacuation order is extended people will need to return to the reception center to receive additional vouchers. To date 1400 evacuated residents have registered, including 200 on Friday.
In order to continue to provide adequate water supplies for the fire-fighting effort, residents living west of the W.R. Bennett Bridge are asked to continue restricting their household water use and not to water outdoors.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Boaters stay away from the active area. · Monitor www.cordemergency.ca, for confirmed information about the situation. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency. · Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.
- 30 - News Release No. 10Date: July 18, 2014 Time: 11:30 a.m.
West Kelowna, B.C. – The Smith Creek Fire has grown to 400 hectares with aircraft and ground crews continuing a vigorous attack on the blaze with the goal of building fire guards and working towards containment.
Approximately 2,500 residents from almost 1,100 homes remain out on Evacuation Order. Areas affected by the Evacuation Order are Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge, Alexandria Way and Shannon Woods. Residents from about 150 properties on Lenz Road, including the Pinewood Villa Mobile Home Park and from 1898 to 2515 Bartley Road also remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice should fire behaviour increase.
Westside residents are asked to be prepared for possible power outages as a result of the Smith Creek Fire. The blaze is burning within 100 metres of the main feeder line serving Peachland, Westbank, and West Kelowna. In case of a power outage, you and your family should be prepared for at least 72 hours. Basic essential items include food for all family members, 2 litres of water per person per day, flashlights, batteries, cash, medications or other special needs items, first aid kit and emergency contact information. More information on what to include in an emergency kit and how you can prepare in the event of a power outage is available atgetprepared.gc.ca.
Residents who reside within the evacuation order area are asked to register in person with Emergency Support Services reception centre, located at Mount Boucherie Secondary School,2751 Cameron Road in West Kelowna. Residents who have been evacuated will receive food and accommodation vouchers for 72 hours. If the evacuation order is extended people will need to return to the reception center to receive additional vouchers. To date 1200 evacuated residents have registered.
In order to continue to provide adequate water supplies for the fire-fighting effort, residents living west of the W.R. Bennett Bridge are asked to continue restricting their household water use and not to water outdoors.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Boaters stay away from the active area. · Monitor www.cordemergency.ca, www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency, orwww.twitter.com/CO_Emerg for confirmed information about the situation. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency. · Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.
- 30 - News Release No. 9Date: July 18, 2014 Time: 8:47 a.m.
West Kelowna, B.C. – Westside residents are asked to be prepared for possible power outages as a result of the Smith Creek Fire. The blaze is burning within 100 metres of the main feeder line serving Peachland, Westbank, and West Kelowna. Crews from West Kelowna, Peachland, Kelowna, Lake Country and the BC Forest Service are actively working to guard property and public infrastructure.
BC Hydro has provided information for customers to assist in preparing for an outage:
WHAT TO DO DURING AN OUTAGE 1. Check whether the power failure is limited to your home. If your neighbour's power is still on, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. 2. Call BC Hydro at 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769 3766) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your cell phone. Tell us about the outage so we can send the right crews and equipment to the right location. 3. Tune into your local radio station for storm and power outage updates. 4. Turn off all appliances, including home computers and peripherals, especially those that generate heat. This helps prevent hazards or damage when service is restored. 5. Turn off all lights except one inside your home and one outside. The inside light lets you know and the outside light lets BC Hydro crews know, when the power is back on. BE PREPARED · Develop a preparedness plan and share it with your family. Be sure everyone knows what to expect and what to do. Have a contingency plan in case power is out for a longer period. · Make a list of local emergency contact numbers (fire, police, ambulance, etc.). Include 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769 3766) for reporting an outage. · Prepare an emergency kit and store it in an easy-to find location. Check regularly to make sure the kit is well stocked and that all equipment is in good working order. · Use surge protectors to protect sensitive electrical equipment such as computers, DVD players and TVs. · Include a battery operated flashlight in your emergency kit to avoid using candles - they can be a fire hazard. SAFETY FIRST Never go near or touch a fallen power line. Always assume that a line or anything it is in contact with, is energized. Stay at least ten metres (33 feet) away at all times and do not attempt to remove debris surrounding the line. If you see a fallen power line, report the exact location to 1 888 POWERON. BC Hydro is working with emergency officials to protect the main power line from the fire: · Efforts are underway by the Wildfire Management Branch to apply fire retardant on the right of way to protect the power line.
· BC Hydro has representation in the local EOC and closely monitoring the situation both on the ground and from the incident command centre.
· BC Hydro is doing absolutely everything that can be done to be ready to respond if there is damage to its infrastructure. Materials, crews, designers and other experts on standby.
· BC Hydro advises its customers to be prepared in the case of an emergency.
The Smith Creek Fire is estimated at more than 200-hectares with aircraft and ground crews continuing a vigorous attack on the blaze with the goal of building fire guards and working towards containment.
RCMP members continue to staff roadblocks on the perimeter of the evacuated areas and are patrolling throughout.
Approximately 2,500 residents from almost 1,100 homes remain out on Evacuation Order. Areas affected by the Evacuation Order are Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge, Alexandria Way and Shannon Woods. Residents from about 150 properties on Lenz Road, including the Pinewood Villa Mobile Home Park and from 1898 to 2515 Bartley Road also remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice should fire behaviour increase.
A detailed map showing streets and addresses affected by the Evacuation Alert and Evacuation Orders can be viewed at www.cordemergency.ca.
The Emergency Support Services reception centre at Mount Boucherie Secondary School, 2751 Cameron Road was open overnight, assisting some evacuated residents with food and accommodation needs. The centre will remain open today to help those residents who have not yet registered.
In order to continue to provide adequate water supplies for the fire-fighting effort, residents living west of the W.R. Bennett Bridge are asked to continue restricting their household water use and not to water outdoors.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Monitor www.cordemergency.ca, www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency, orwww.twitter.com/CO_Emerg for confirmed information about the situation. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency
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News Release No. 8Date: July 18, 2014 Time: 6:15 a.m.
West Kelowna, B.C. – It has been a relatively good night on the fire-lines as crews monitored the Smith Creek fire.
Field reports suggest there were a few flare ups during the overnight hours, but they were knocked down quickly by fire fighter patrols from West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country and the BC Wildfire Management Branch.
Late last night, the fire was estimated at 200-hectares. Later this morning it’s anticipated an update will be available once crews have had an opportunity to see the fire from the air during daylight hours.
Incident Command for the fire will develop a plan of attack for today taking into consideration weather conditions and other factors. It’s expected an aircraft and ground crews will resume their vigorous attack on the fire with the goal of building fire guards and working towards containment.
RCMP members continue to staff roadblocks on the perimeter of the evacuated areas and are patrolling throughout.
No new Evacuation Alerts or Orders are in place. Approximately 2,500 residents from almost 1,100 homes remain out on Evacuation Order.
Residents from about 150 properties on Lenz Road, including the Pinewood Villa Mobile Home Park and from 1898 to 2515 Bartley Road remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice should fire behaviour increase.
A detailed map showing streets and addresses affected by the Evacuation Alert and Evacuation Orders can be viewed at www.cordemergency.ca.
The Emergency Support Services reception centre at Mount Boucherie Secondary School, 2751 Cameron Road was open overnight, assisting some evacuated residents with food and accommodation needs. The centre will remain open today to help those residents who have not yet registered.
In order to continue to provide adequate water supplies for the fire-fighting effort, residents living west of the W.R. Bennett Bridge are asked to continue restricting their household water use and not to water outdoors. All residents on the west side of Okanagan Lake from Peachland, West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation reserves are encouraged to make personal emergency preparations to ensure they are self-sustaining in the event that there is a loss of electricity for an extended period and that they have enough water for each member of their family.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
· Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. · Monitor www.cordemergency.ca, www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency, orwww.twitter.com/CO_Emerg for confirmed information about the situation. · Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency.
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