Smith Creek fire news release #12 from @CO_emerg

News Release No. 12

Date:     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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