Drought Hill wildfire July 31 morning update

Drought Hill Wildfire

Central Okanagan, B.C.  – Crews are continuing to action the Drought Hill wildfire, which remains between Highway 97 and Highway 97C and is pegged at 27 hectares. Visit https://www.drivebc.ca/ for updates on road conditions and closures.

Crews responded overnight, patrolling and suppressing hotspots.

Today, 35 BC Wildfire firefighters are responding alongside 14 firefighters from Peachland, Kelowna and North Westside fire departments. Aircraft retardant and water delivery yesterday was effective in reducing fire behaviour. However, as temperatures increase throughout the day, fire behaviour may increase. The fire is currently displaying rank two fire behaviour, meaning a surface fire with some open flame and a slow to moderate rate of spread. To learn more about wildfire rank, please visit BC Wildfire’s webpage.

Please stay clear of personnel responding on the ground and by air to avoid interfering with the wildfire response. Aircraft will use Okanagan Lake as a water source and watercrafts should stay out of the way.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is open and supporting Incident Command and Emergency Support Services. An assessment is underway this morning to evaluate the evacuation order area and alerts and an update will be provided later today.

Today’s priorities underway include wildfire suppression, field assessments, ongoing resource allocation and evaluation of the evacuation orders and alert.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) at Royal LePage Place Arena

If residents need basic emergency support, they can report to Royal LePage Place, 2760 Cameron Avenue, West Kelowna. Evacuees with a BC Services Card App can also receive ESS supports online at Emergency Support Services Self Registration. The Peachland Community Centre is not providing ESS services, however, it remains open for informal drop-in location for residents until 4 p.m.

Donations not accepted

The EOC extends it appreciation to individuals and organizations that have reached out with offers of support of food and items. We are unable to accept donations due to logistical and safety considerations prevent us from receiving and distributing donated goods.

How you can help:

There are other ways residents can take action during this wildfire event:

  • Check in on your neighbours. A simple phone call or message can go a long way in ensuring everyone is safe and supported.
  • Make an emergency plan. Take time to prepare a plan to outline where to go, who to contact, and what to bring in case of an emergency. Visit PreparedBC.ca for tips.
  • Stay informed. Follow official channels and sources for the latest updates and guidance from the EOC.

Currently, there are no changes to the evacuation orders or alert this morning. There are approximately 400 addresses on evacuation order and 225 addresses on alert with ongoing fire suppressions by local fire crews and BC Wildfire.

Residents on alert are asked to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice and be prepared to be away from their homes for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.

Please refer to the Map | Central Okanagan Emergency Operations on CORDemergency.ca/map to search by street address to determine if you are under an evacuation order or alert.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

  • Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
  • Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
  • Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
  • Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
  • Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.  If transportation assistance is needed, call 250-469-8590.
  • Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.
  • Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating.  Monitor cordermergency.ca for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres.
  • For Emergency Support Services create a profile online at: Emergency Support Services Self Registration

Additional resources related to Emergency Preparedness information can be found at cordemergency.ca. Central Okanagan Emergency information is also available on Facebook at facebook.com/CORDEmergency and on Twitter at twitter.com/CO_Emerg.

Public safety and the safety of emergency response personnel are the primary concerns at this time.  Emergency Operations Centre staff are working with other response agencies to manage the situation and minimize the impacts, however residents of the area should be prepared to obey an evacuation order.

New information will be released to the public and media as soon as it becomes available.

Emergency response personnel request that the public:

Stay informed:
cordemergency.ca
http://facebook.com/cordemergency 
http://twitter.com/co_emerg