Photo: Casey Richardson

A Reception Centre to support evacuees has been established at the Oliver Legion 6417 Main Street.

When the Nk’Mip Wildfire started on Monday afternoon, evacuation orders and alerts were quickly issued throughout the Oliver and Osoyoos areas overnight and into the next morning.

Since then, the fire has grown and local governments continue to add properties to the list. 1,255 properties are holding their breath and watching while the fire remains out of control.

Information provided to Castanet shows that as of Friday, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has 566 properties on evacuation orders, along with an additional 138 on evacuation alert.

The Osoyoos Indian Band had 26 properties on evacuation order and 185 on evacuation alert.

The Town of Oliver has 140 on evacuation alert and the Town of Osoyoos has 200 on evacuation alert.

So far, 383 people have been supported by the Emergency Support Services, with 540 meeting with the services centre.

One hundred fifty two residents still need to see or get in contact with the emergency operations centre.

A Reception Centre to support evacuees has been established at the Oliver Legion located at 6417 Main Street.

While many in the community are looking to help support evacuees and provide donations, the Town of Oliver stated that it’s best for people to donate to the Red Cross.

ESS in Oliver is billeting 274 evacuees, with 37 billeting in Penticton and 134 using hotels. Some of these numbers may include evacuees from Brenda Creek as well, which currently has 41 properties on evacuation order.