Smith Creek fire news release #15 from @CO_emerg

News Release No. 15

Date:     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The fire is still active and orders and alerts will be rescinded once it is safe to do so.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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