Drought Hill fire news release #11 from @CO_emerg

News Release

 

News Release 11

Time:    5:00 p.m.

 

West Kelowna, B.C. – Boaters are interfering with aircraft attempting to reload with water in Okanagan Lake. Boaters are moving into the area in an attempt to take a closer look at the activity or get photos with their cellphones; and, emergency officials need boaters to stay well clear of the aircrafts’ reloading areas for their own safety, the safety of the pilots and to avoid interfering with the wildfire fight.

 

Some Glenrosa residents are expressing concerns and anxiety about the number of aircraft flying over their neighbourhoods. At this time, the Drought Hill Fire is the only active blaze in the area, and the wildfire is burning approximately two kilometres from the nearest Glenrosa residences. An Evacuation Order will remain in place for one property in the 4700 block of MacKinnon Road and no further Evacuation Orders or Alerts are anticipated at this time.

 

Structural fire crews from the Districts of Peachland and West Kelowna and forest fire crews with the BC Wildfire Management Branch have been working steadily throughout the day and have kept the blaze 40 hectares in size, according to the latest reports from the BC Wildfire Management Branch. Officials on site are reporting that the fire is not yet contained but state that crews continue their work to establish guards through rough terrain. The potential for localized wind gusts and hot, dry weather remain concerns.

 

Fire crews continue to assess the situation and determinations will be made Saturday as to whether or not the Highway 97C Visitor Information Centre can open and if single lane closures will remain in effect in each direction on the Okanagan Connector - Highway 97C, approximately four kilometres west of the junction with Highway 97. For the latest highway information visitwww.drivebc.ca.

 

Emergency response personnel request that the public:

 

·          Slow down on Highway 97C through the fire zone, stay away from emergency vehicles and watch for lane closure signage and traffic personnel.

·          Keep boats well clear of the active water reloading areas on Okanagan Lake.

·          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.