Evacuation Orders and Alerts remain overnight for Quilpituk Creek Wildfire

Quilpituk Creek Wildfire

Central Okanagan Electoral Area West, B.C. – Evacuation Orders affecting 2,648 properties and Evacuation Alerts affecting 321 properties in the Quilpituk Creek wildfire area remain in place overnight.

BC Wildfire Service currently lists the fire as out of control and approximately 1,139 hectares in size.

Firefighters, heavy equipment operators, structure protection personnel and aerial resources continued working on the fire throughout the day. Crews are establishing hoselay systems for water delivery, assessing and removing dangerous trees, strengthening control lines and supporting structure protection efforts around affected communities.

Widespread smoke in the area helped moderate fire behaviour today, limiting activity across much of the fire. However, changing weather conditions remain possible, and increases in fire activity are expected if winds pick up, smoke clears and temperatures rise as forecasted.

Residents may notice smoke and ongoing movement of firefighting equipment in the area. If you observe fire activity outside of designated or expected areas, report wildfires by calling *5555, or dial 911 for fires within city limits.

Emergency officials continue to assess Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alerts daily based on current fire activity, forecasted weather and anticipated fire behaviour. Life safety remains the top priority in all evacuation decisions.

We know residents want to return home, and we want that too. Evacuation Orders will be rescinded as soon as it is safe to do so, but that decision depends on more than fire activity alone. However, firefighting operations remain ongoing, and before residents can return, crews must assess hazards such as damaged infrastructure, downed power lines, hazardous trees and road safety concerns. 

Refer to the Central Okanagan Emergency Management website at coemergency.ca for the latest news releases and visit coemergency.ca/map to search by street address and determine whether you are under an Evacuation Order or Evacuation Alert.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

  • Continue to monitor COEmergency.ca for information on changes to Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alerts. Visit COEmergency.ca/subscribe to subscribe and ensure you receive emergency notifications. 

  • Stay clear of firefighting aircraft operating in and around Okanagan Lake. 

  • View the BC Hydro outage map for information on power outages in the area.

ESS Supports:

  • Overnight support for evacuees is available at Royal LePage Place Arena (2760 Cameron Rd.) for group lodging. The site is equipped with snacks, water, sleeping cots, washroom facilities and first aid. Security-patrolled parking is available on site. 

  • RVs and trailers can park overnight at Mount Boucherie Secondary School (2751 Cameron Rd.) and access services through Royal LePage Place.

  • The ESS Muster Centre at the Westbank Lions Community Centre (2466 Main Street, West Kelowna) will be open until 7:00 p.m. and will reopen tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION