The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre says evacuation orders for 2223 properties and evacuation alerts for 425 properties in the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire area will remain in place today.
The BC Wildfire Service currently lists the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire at 742 hectares and out of control. The fire is reportedly growing and spreading upslope and to the northwest, away from nearby communities at this time.
Crews are said to have worked through the night, using helicopters equipped with night vision technology to cool hot spots and limit fire growth. Today, firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft will continue building and strengthening control lines, removing hazardous trees and directly attacking the fire along its edges.
Fire activity is currently low to moderate, with mostly smouldering and surface fire behaviour.
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says evacuation orders will remain in place until it is safe to return, including addressing hazards such as damaged utilities, hazard trees and unsafe road conditions.
Westside Road remains closed heading north at Caesars Landing and heading south at highway 97 and Westside Road.
If you observe fire activity outside of designated or expected areas, report wildfires by calling *5555, or dial 911 for fires within city limits.
Emergency Support Services
ESS supports are available for evacuees. Central Okanagan Emergency Management says if you’ve received an e-transfer, phone ESS at 1-800-387-4258 and they will walk you through an extension. Have your file number ready. If you are lodging in a hotel, ESS is working on extensions and will be calling people directly today.
If you need support in person, go to the ESS reception centre at the Westbank Lions Community Centre (2466 Main Street, West Kelowna). Information Officer Ashley Stewart says the site is busier than normal today and to expect some delays as call volume is high to ESS.
Group lodging remains available at Royal LePage Place Arena (2760 Cameron Road, West Kelowna) for all evacuees. The site is equipped with sleeping cots, washroom facilities, snacks, water and first aid. Security patrolled parking is on site.
RVs and trailers can park at Mount Boucherie Secondary School (2751 Cameron Road, West Kelowna) overnight and access services at Royal LePage Place.
