Evacuation Orders must be followed

Quilpituk Creek Wildfire

Central Okanagan West Electoral Area, B.C. – Central Okanagan Emergency Management is aware that some residents have chosen to remain in areas currently under Evacuation Order due to the Quilpituk Creek wildfire.

If you are in an Evacuation Order area, leave now. An Evacuation Order is not a suggestion. It is a life-safety measure.

The evacuation route is south on Westside Road. Please follow instructions of emergency personnel and traffic control in the area.

Evacuation Orders are issued when there is a risk to life and safety. They are based on current and anticipated conditions and are intended to ensure residents can leave safely while egress routes remain viable. Choosing to remain in an Evacuation Order area puts yourself, your family and first responders at risk. 

While crews continue to make progress on the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, conditions can change quickly. Forecast winds may increase fire activity in some areas over the coming days, and residents should not assume they will have additional time to evacuate if conditions change.

Residents who remain in Evacuation Order areas should not expect consistent or timely access to emergency services. Wildfire activity, road closures, damaged infrastructure and safety concerns can limit or prevent access for paramedics, firefighters, police and other responders. 

Staying behind also affects the broader emergency response. If assistance is required, emergency personnel may have to enter an active wildfire area to conduct a rescue. These operations place responders at risk and divert critical resources away from wildfire suppression, structure protection and other response activities. Every firefighter, paramedic or police officer responding to an avoidable incident inside an Evacuation Order area is a resource that cannot be used elsewhere on the wildfire response.

Deliveries are not permitted into Evacuation Order areas. This includes food, fuel, generator supplies, packages and other personal items. Authorized access continues only for personnel and resources supporting Incident Command and wildfire response operations.

People who choose to remain despite the order should not expect power or drinking water service. While restoration work is underway, those efforts are focused on supporting the wildfire response and preparing for the safe return of evacuated residents when conditions allow.

Multiple Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alerts remain in effect due to the Quilpituk Creek wildfire. Residents should check the latest evacuation map at coemergency.ca/map to determine whether their property is affected and follow all directions from emergency personnel.

ESS SUPPORTS

Emergency Support Services are available to assist residents who evacuate.

  • Evacuated and not yet registered with ESS? Register through the ERA tool at ESS.gov.bc.ca. In-person assistance is available at the Muster Centre at Westbank Lions Community Centre (2466 Main St., West Kelowna) beginning at 9 a.m.
  • Need a place to spend the day? Evacuees are welcome to visit the Muster Centre at Westbank Lions Community Centre or Royal LePage Place Arena (2760 Cameron Rd., West Kelowna) to access information, supports, snacks and a cool indoor space away from smoke and heat.
  • Need overnight lodging? Group lodging is available at Royal LePage Place Arena (2760 Cameron Rd., West Kelowna). RVs and trailers can park overnight at Mount Boucherie Secondary School (2751 Cameron Rd., West Kelowna) and access services at Royal LePage Place.
  • Visit ESS.gov.bc.ca to register or learn more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

  • Call the public information line at 250-469-8490 (local) or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free) for information.
  • Visit coemergency.ca for the latest information and COEmergency.ca/subscribe to subscribe for emergency notifications.
  • Follow the Central Okanagan Emergency Management's social channels via X.com/CO_Emerg and Facebook.com/comergencymanagement.