Advance notice: Evacuation order expected tomorrow morning for Shelter Cove, Secret Point and Cinnabar Creek

Quilpituk Creek Wildfire

Central Okanagan West Electoral Area, B.C. - Central Okanagan Emergency Management (COEM) is providing advance notice that the current Evacuation Alert for Shelter Cove, Secret Point and Cinnabar Creek is expected to be upgraded to an Evacuation Order in the morning on Thursday, August 6. BC Wildfire Service has advised that forecasted weather conditions are expected to increase fire behaviour and contribute to growth of the Quilpituk Creek wildfire.

This is not an Evacuation Order. Residents are not being asked to leave at this time.

COEM is providing advance notice so residents have additional time to prepare themselves, their families, pets and property before an Evacuation Order is issued tomorrow morning. Evacuation Orders are often implemented with little warning when conditions change rapidly. In this case, forecasted weather conditions have provided a rare opportunity to notify residents in advance, giving them more time to prepare.

The following addresses are included in the anticipated Evacuation Order:

  • 3545, 3595, 3625, 3645, 3677, 3707, 3723, 3737, 3751, 3765, 3777, 3850, 3985, 4017, 4029, 4049, 4069, 4129, 4163, 4200, 4215, 4400, 4401, and 4625 Westside Road

Emergency Support Services (ESS) supports are available once the anticipated Evacuation Order is in effect tomorrow. Use this time to make a plan, gather essential items and make arrangements for family members and pets.

The Evacuation Order will be issued through the COEM Emergency Notification System. Visit COEmergency.ca/subscribe to ensure you receive emergency notifications. Residents should be prepared to leave promptly once the Evacuation Order is issued.

All other Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alerts for the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire area remain in place overnight. No further updates are expected today. The ESS reception centre at the Westbank Lions Community Centre (2466 Main Street, West Kelowna) will be open until 7 p.m. and will reopen tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • Prepare to leave at short notice tomorrow morning once the Evacuation Order is issued.

  • Gather essential items, including medications, identification, important documents, insurance information, wallets, keys and chargers.

  • Pack clothing and personal necessities for several days away from home.

  • Make arrangements for pets, livestock and family members who may require assistance.

  • Plan where you will stay once evacuated and connect with family members about your evacuation plan.

  • Pre-register with ESS by creating a profile through the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool at ESS.gov.bc.ca. Download the BC Services Card app and verify your account. Once evacuated you can access the online self-service registration tool and receive instructions on the types of support available and how they can be accessed.

  • Fuel your vehicle and ensure it is ready to travel.

  • Ensure all household members are aware that an Evacuation Order is expected tomorrow morning.

FOR MORE INFORMATION