Smith Creek Fire news release #6 from @CO_emerg

News Release No. 6

Date:     July 17, 2014

Time:    20:30 p.m.

 

West Kelowna, B.C. – An Evacuation Alert has been issued for approximately 150 properties from 1898 to 2515 Bartley Road and Lenz Road (including Pinewood Villa Mobile Home Park) in West Kelowna as a result of the Smith Creek fire.  These people should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice in the event the fire expands.

 

This is in addition to an estimated 2,500 residents from almost 1,100 homes that are under an Evacuation Order in the Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge, Alexandria Way and Shannon Woods neighbourhoods.

 

A detailed map showing streets and addresses affected by the Evacuation Alert and Evacuation Orders can be viewed at www.cordemergency.ca.

 

Residents who reside within the evacuation area are asked to register in person with Emergency Support Services reception centre, located in Mount Boucherie Secondary School, 2751 Cameron Road in West Kelowna.

 

The Smith Creek fire is now estimated at 175-hectares and has not yet been contained.

 

Through the night, fire fighters from West Kelowna, Peachland, Kelowna and Lake Country along with BC Wildfire Management crew will remain on the scene and patrolling the fire.

During the overnight hours, residents may see bright fires burning related to the Smith Creek fire.  Please do not call 9-1-1 to report this activity related to this particular fire as fire crews are remaining on the scene overnight and are aware of the fire.

 

RCMP have secure roadblocks in place and are conducting roving patrols throughout the night to provide security in those areas that have been evacuated.

 

While it’s greatly appreciated, Emergency Support Services (ESS) is not requesting donations of food, clothing or other assistance at this time. The Canadian Disaster Animal Response team is working with ESS to arrange accommodation for animals in the Evacuation Order areas.

 

All residents living west of the Bennett Bridge are asked to limit household water use and shutoff outdoor irrigation use to keep pressure and supply available for emergency crews fighting the fire.

 

New information including maps of evacuations will be released to the public throughwww.cordemergency.ca as soon as it becomes available.

 

Emergency response personnel request that the public:

 

·          Avoid the Smith Creek area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties.

·          Monitor www.cordemergency.ca, www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency,  orwww.twitter.com/CO_Emerg  for confirmed information about the situation.

·          Please only CALL 911 in case of emergency.

 

 

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