All Lake Country properties can return home: Evacuation Order areas downgraded to Alert
Kelowna, B.C. – The Emergency Operations Centre has downgraded the Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert for the 408 remaining properties in the District of Lake Country.
There are no more Evacuation Orders in the District of Lake Country, but properties remain on Evacuation Alert, meaning residents must continue to be prepared to leave their properties at a moment's notice and be away from home for an extended period.
The wildfire in Lake Country is considered held at 370 hectares, meaning it is not anticipated to grow any further. Fire crews remain active in the area managing hot spots in unpopulated and forested areas.
Residents are encouraged to check the map on cordemergency.ca/map before heading home to confirm the status of their property.
Residents returning home can access frequently asked questions and other resources at cordermergency.ca to aid in their safe return. The public is reminded, for their safety and that of fire crews that they may encounter various hazards on their private properties. Residents are asked to respect safety advice and directions from crews they may encounter and to keep a safe distance from active fire suppression work.
Resources for residents returning to their homes include:
- Emergency Management BC
- Returning Home after a Fire
- Interior Health’s Emergency Information
- CORD Resources
Trail and park closures in the fire affected and forested areas are in place, this includes the future Summit phase of Lakestone area. For up-to-date information about trail and park closures in the area, check with the District of Lake Country and for regional parks the Regional District of the Central Okanagan websites.
Residents are also reminded to please stay off the lake north of the William R. Bennett Bridge to allow unhindered access to BC Wildfire Service aircraft.
Residents are asked to stay up to date through the CORD emergency website and also subscribe to receive e-updates. Go online to cordemergency.ca.
For more information, contact the information line at 250-469-8490 (local) or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free).
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