UPDATED: Evacuation orders, alerts remain on west side wildfire, overnight supports offered
Quilpituk Creek wildfire has prompted further evacuations Monday. Over 5,000 people have now fled their homes in the area. (Image Credit: BCWS)
Monday 5:30 p.m.
BC Wildfire Service has listed the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire at 565 hectares and it remains out of control.
The evacuation orders for the 2223 properties and evacuation alerts for 425 properties in the area will remain in place overnight Monday.
BC Wildfire Service personnel are responding to this incident along with all local fire departments in the Central Okanagan. Aerial resources, heavy equipment teams and structure protection are supporting this incident. Fire crews continue to establish hoselay for water delivery to the fire’s edge and conducting danger tree assessments and falling as they work their way around the fire perimeter.
Westside Road is closed north at Caesars Landing. More information at DriveBC.
Refer to the Central Okanagan Emergency Management’s website for the latest news releases and check the coemergency.ca/map to search by street address to determine if you are under an evacuation order or alert.
Overnight Support Sites
- Overnight support for evacuees is available at Royal LePage Place Arena (2760 Cameron Road) for group lodging. The site is equipped with snacks, water, sleeping cots, washroom facilities and first aid. Security patrolled parking is available on site.
- Overnight supports at the Westbank First Nation’s Sensisyusten House of Learning are closed and evacuees are redirected to Royal LePage Place Arena.
- The Emergency Support Services (ESS) reception/muster centre at Westbank Lions Community Centre (2466 Main Street, West Kelowna) has closed for today and will reopen at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning for those who require assistance registering or additional services such as food, clothing, cultural supports or other incidentals.
- RVs and trailers can park at Mount Boucherie Secondary School (2751 Cameron Road) overnight and access services at Royal LePage Place.
Monday 12:25 p.m.
Central Okanagan Emergency Management said early Monday afternoon the evacuations and evacuation alerts were not likely to be rescinded today.
BC Wildfire Service currently lists the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire at 550 hectares and it remains out of control. The evacuation orders for the 2223 properties and evacuation alerts for 425 properties in the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire area remain in place.
Fire and weather conditions will be monitored to determine if additional evacuation orders or alerts are required – while not expected, it is possible.
BC Wildfire Service personnel are responding to this incident along with all local fire departments in the Central Okanagan. Aerial resources, heavy equipment teams and structure protection are supporting this incident. Fire crews continue to establish hoselay for water delivery to the fire’s edge and conducting danger tree assessments and falling as they work their way around the fire perimeter.
Westside Road is closed north at Caesars Landing.
Monday 10:50 a.m.
BC Wildfire Service said Monday the Quilpituk Creek wildfire on the west side of Okanagan Lake had grown to 550 hectares. It was measured at 200 hectares Sunday.
The wildfire is burning Rank 2, which means a low vigour surface fire with a slow rate of spread.
(Image Credit: Vernon Matters)
Crews have completed a sprinkler line set up along the powerline on the west flank. Today, August 3rd, crews continue to establish hoselay for water delivery to the fire’s edge and conducting danger tree assessments and falling as they work their way around the fire perimeter.
Crews are working around the north and east flanks and are being supported by helicopters. Heavy equipment has been established across the west flank of the fire to support crews with building guard and increasing access.
Original story
Further evacuation orders were issued early Monday morning, on the third day of efforts to quell the Quilpituk Creek wildfire on the west side of Okanagan Lake.
An evacuation order was issued for properties in the Caesars Landing area , followed by an order for properties in the Shelter Cove, Secret Point and Cinnabar Creek area. These areas were previously under evacuation alert.
Central Okanagan Emergency Management said Residents on evacuation order should leave their properties immediately to keep safe. The evacuation route is south on Westside Road.
Over 2,200 properties totalling more than 5,100 residents are now under evacuation order.
BC Wildfire Service said in an update Monday morning that the growth on this incident is occurring to the northwest and is being driven by slope. The wildfire is burning Rank 1 and 2 with pockets of Rank 3 at the head of the fire, which means a smouldering ground fire with a slow to moderate rate of spread.
Click here for full details of evacuation orders and alerts
With the Quilpituk Creek and Bradley Creek wildfires ( at the northern tip of the lake) burning to the north of this region, evacuations are currently underway to assure safe passage through the fire area. At this time, no structures are immediately threatened. Westside Road from 5000 Westside Road northward is restricted to emergency vehicles and those needing to evacuate.
