Smith Creek fire news release #16 from @CO_emerg

News Release No. 16

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The fire is still active and orders and alerts will be rescinded once it is safe to do so.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

 

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