Quilpituk Creek Wildfire Information Update

Quilpituk Creek Wildfire

Central Okanagan West Electoral Area, B.C.  – The evacuation orders for the properties in the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire area will remain in place today.

The BC Wildfire Service currently lists the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire at 1,139 hectares and remains out of control. 

We know residents want to return home, and we want that too. Power is expected to be restored in the area later today, which is one of many things that need to be done before residents can safely return home. Residents on the Killiney Beach and Westshore Estates water systems will be on a boil water advisory when the time comes for them to return home safely. 

Sprinkler systems within the evacuation order pulling from the utility will be turned off by crews when found, to enable the operation of water service to the community as early as possible. 

Crews continue making progress strengthening containment lines around the wildfire. Heavy equipment is being used to build and improve control lines, while firefighters may conduct small-scale planned ignitions to remove unburned fuel and reinforce containment where conditions allow. 

Smoke from other wildfires burning throughout the region continues to impact the area. While reducing air quality, the smoke may help moderate fire activity by limiting daytime heating. Overall, fire behaviour is expected to remain low across much of the incident area, although periods of increased activity may occur along the southern flank as winds strengthen later in the day.

 

For residents 

 

Evacuation orders will remain in place until it is safe to return, including addressing hazards such as damaged utilities, hazard trees and unsafe road conditions. 

 

Westside Road remains closed heading north at Caesars and heading south at highway 97 and Westside Road. Updated information is available at Drive BC.

 

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

 

  • Continue to monitor coemergency.ca for updates on evacuation orders and alerts, and use coemergency.ca/map to check your address and determine whether your property is affected.

  • If you are on evacuation alert, be prepared to leave if conditions change. Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit, gather important documents and medications, make a plan for pets and livestock, know how to shut off utilities at your property, review your insurance coverage and ensure you have an evacuation plan for your household.

  • Stay well clear of wildfire aircraft operating on and around Okanagan Lake. If you see firefighting aircraft working on the lake, move out of the area immediately and stay close to shore until operations have passed.

  • If you observe fire activity outside of designated or expected areas, report wildfires by calling *5555, or dial 911 for fires within city limits.

  • To reach the call centre at the Emergency Operations Centre, call 250-469-8490.

ESS SUPPORTS 

  • Evacuated and not yet registered with ESS? Register through the ERA tool at ESS.gov.bc.ca. In-person assistance is available at the Westbank Lions Community Centre (2466 Main St., West Kelowna).

  • Need to renew ESS supports? If you received an e-transfer, call 1-800-387-4258 and have your file number ready. If you are staying in a hotel, ESS will contact you directly regarding extensions.

  • Need other renewals or in-person support? Visit the ESS reception centre at the Westbank Lions Community Centre. 

  • 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.

  • Westbank First Nation's Sensisyusten House of Learning (1920 Quail Lane) is open as a comfort station.