Smith Creek fire news release #14 from @CO_emerg

News Release No. 14

Date:     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.

 

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