Photo: Peter Weeber, chief administrative officer

Penticton Community Centre, recently opened to fire evacuees.

The Penticton Community Centre has opened its doors to wildfire evacuees but they haven't seen many victims come for help yet, says Alida Erickson, emergency support services director. 

Over 100 of the Williams Lake evacuees fled to Vernon Saturday to seek emergency lodging, but Penticton has only checked in about 15 people. 

"The word is just getting out that we are available and that we have been open," Erickson said. "We are hoping to get more people in because we have things available for them and so we’re really hoping that they take advantage of that." 

The Penticton Community Centre isn't where evacuees will stay overnight but Emergency Social Services (ESS) is supplying people with motels, meals and incidentals, "if required," according to Erickson. 

Typically, ESS supplies three days of relief during an emergency but because of the severity of the fires they are offering one week. 

Penticton Community Centre isn't just exclusively available to Williams Lake evacuees. 

"We have a reception centre that is ready and willing to take care of the evacuees from the Williams Lake evacuation order and the other areas that are impacted, in the area, as well," she said.