Smith Creek fire news release #21 from @CO_emerg

News Release No. 21

Date: July 20, 2014

Time: 14:30

 

West Kelowna, B.C. – The Smith Creek Fire is still active and the public is reminded to stay out of the area for safety reasons and to ensure emergency responders can effectively perform their duties. The Evacuation Order area, including parks, trails and public and private lands, remains closed to the public.

 

The Evacuation Order has been partially lifted for more than 900 homes and approximately 2,000 residents in parts of the Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge and Shannon Woods neighbourhoods and for those living on Alexandria Way. Those residents returning to their homes remain on Evacuation Alert and are advised to pay attention to warning and road closure signs in the parts of their neighbourhoods that remain on Evacuation Order.

 

Approximately 500 people from 222 homes in Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge and Shannon Woods remain on Evacuation Order. For a complete list of roads that remain on Evacuation Order, please go to www.cordemergency.ca. The site also provides an interactive map of the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas.

 

Those residents remaining on Evacuation Order should report back to the Emergency Reception Centre at Mount Boucherie Secondary School. The centre remains open until 9 p.m. Sunday, July 20 and will reopen at 9 a.m. Monday, July 21.

 

BC Wildfire Management Branch reports that the fire is 260 hectares in size and 50% contained. Conditions of the fire and weather conditions affecting the blaze are subject to change; those residents returning to their homes should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice should conditions change.

 

Fires contained within the fire perimeter will continue to burn and be visible for several weeks.  Residents are asked if they see any fire activity related to the Smith Creek fire, not to call 9-1-1 as crews will still be actively working in the area and monitoring the situation. 

 

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.

 

 

- 30 –