Smith Creek fire news release #18 from @CO_emerg

News Release No. 18

Date:  July 19, 2014

Time: 8:00 p.m.

 

West Kelowna, B.C. – Fire fighters from West Kelowna will be patrolling the Smith Creek fire overnight.  They’ll be watching for and extinguishing any hot spots and flare ups.

 

From time to time overnight, residents may see flare ups in the fire area.  Please do not call 9-1-1 as crews are on the scene and responding as needed.

     

The BC Wildfire Management Branch says despite gusty winds today, the fire has remained within its perimeter and is 30% contained having consumed 260-hectares since it was reported earlyThursday afternoon.

 

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre advises that there will be no changes in the Evacuation Orders and Alerts regarding the Smith Creek fire this evening.   Approximately 2,500 residents from 1,100 homes live within the areas under evacuation and alert.

 

This decision from Unified Incident Command not to rescind any evacuation orders is based on the need to ensure public safety before residents are allowed to re-enter their neighbourhoods and safely return to their homes.

 

Any change in status will be posted to the www.cordemergency.ca website and via local media.  The next scheduled update from the Emergency Operation Centre Information Office is scheduled for 8:00 am Sunday.

 

RCMP continues to maintain security in the affected areas with roving patrols while at the same time continuing to provide policing service to areas not affected by the fire.

 

Evacuees should note that the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at Mount Boucherie Secondary School, 2751 Cameron Road in West Kelowna, will close tonight at 10:00 pm.  It will be staffed with volunteers again at 8:30 tomorrow (Sunday) morning to provide assistance to those evacuees needing assistance. 

 

Evacuated residents with animals that have any concerns may contact the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART) at 250-470-0694.  Since the fire began it has taken in more than 250 animals from fish, to horses, to chickens, dogs, cats and turkeys.

 

 

For the latest information and updated maps of the Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alert visitwww.cordemergency.ca.

 

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 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

 

Go to www.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.

 

 

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