232244
232178

West Kelowna  

Evacuation order lifted

UPDATE: 1:51 p.m.

Evacuated residents near the Bear Creek wildfire are heading home today, but hazards still remain in the area. 

While returning residents have been asked to avoid the active fire zone, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre would like returning residents to be aware of the potential dangers they may encounter.

  • Widow Makers are burnt trees with little or no limbs that have limited structural support and may fall silently at any time. 
  • Easy Bake Ovens are burning root structures that leave the surrounding ground unstable and extremely hot. The roots can burn for days and are extremely dangerous. These areas may appear as “dinosaur footprints” and must be avoided at all times.
  • Falling limbs may occur in any area where trees have been exposed to the fire. 
  • Fallen power lines and power poles affected by the fire produce electrical hazards. Some standing poles may be unstable. Treat all fallen lines with extreme caution. If you come across a utility line that may be activated, contact the appropriate utility company. 
  • Structural hazards, fall hazards, and potentially dangerous gas pockets may exist in some of the homes affected by the fire. Avoid private properties at all times. Standing chimneys and walls may appear to be sound. Be aware the concrete in these structures may be fragile due to excessive heat and may collapse at any time. 
  • Wild Animals may have been affected by the fire. If you spot a bear, cougar, or other animal in distress, please keep your distance and contact the conservation officer service. 

UPDATE: 12:04 p.m.

Evacuated residents of the Bear Creek area can go home after lunch.

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre advises that effective noon today, the evacuation order and alert for the Bear Creek fire are rescinded.  

Traders Cove residents should be aware that active fire suppression continues in the area. Visible smoke and flames may be seen as firefighters remain in the area the next few days to completely extinguish the fire.

Those returning to the approximately 105 homes that had been evacuated may encounter hazards as a result of the wildfire. 

For your safety, the public is asked to stay out of the fire-affected area and to obey any warning and hazard signs. This includes not using any of the Bear Creek Provincial Park hiking trails. 

Westside Road is now reopen to two-way traffic.

Motorists are asked to use caution driving through the fire area and may experience temporary delays. 

Returning residents are advised that food in fridges or freezers may not be safe to eat. "When in doubt, throw it out," Interior Health recommends.

The Emergency Support Services reception centre is now closed. 

Bear Creek Main Forest Service Road is closed to all traffic except for local residents.

For campers, information on the status of Bear Creek Provincial Park can be found here.


UPDATE: 10:30 a.m.

Good news this morning for residents evacuated due to the Bear Creek wildfire.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says efforts are progressing to have those residents back home tonight.

Despite that good progress, they remind residents that evacuation order and alerts remain in effect as of right now, until further notice comes from emergency personnel.

Along with that good news, COEC says Westside Road is expected to open to two-way traffic by early this afternoon.

“The area will remain an active worksite and people are asked to use extreme caution when driving through the fire area as they may encounter fire and utility crews,” writes COEC.

Bear Creek Main Forest Service Road is closed to all traffic except for local residents and the BC Wildfire Service will allow the resumption of traffic when it is safe.

The Bear Creek Provincial Park will remain closed at this time as will hiking trails in the area, due to the ongoing fire suppression effort.

“Over the next few days people can expect to see visible smoke and flame from the fire site and firefighters will continue working to completely extinguish the fire,” adds the COEC.


ORIGINAL: 7:45 a.m.

It was another good night for crews patrolling the Bear Creek wildfire.

Emergency personnel say firefighters extinguished a number of hotspots that popped up throughout the night and no other issues were reported.

For the last few days and today, RCMP security teams patrol inside the evacuation area.

“BC Hydro crews worked hard yesterday and through the night to replace burned poles and have restored electrical service to the fire evacuation area,” writes Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.

“Water service for the private Traders Cove utility is in the process of being restored.”

Westside Road remains closed through the fire area between Bear Creek Provincial Park on the south and the north end of Traders Cove. Efforts continue to try and provide some vehicle access today.

The evacuation order and alert for the Bear Creek wildfire, including Traders Cove, are still in effect.

“Efforts are being made to allow residents to return as soon as it is safe,” adds the COEC.

The Emergency Support Services Reception Centre in the Lions Community Hall at 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna will reopen at 10 a.m. today to provide assistance to those residents forced out of their homes.



More West Kelowna News



231274