White Rock Lake Wildfire Evacuation Alert

News Release No. 1, Central Okanagan, B.C.  – The Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to support BC Wildfire Services, Regional District of the North Okanagan (RDNO) and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) crews in fighting the White Rock Lake Wildfire.

An Evacuation Alert has been issued for the following properties in the Central Okanagan:

  • 11100 Antler Road
  • 801 Beau Park Road
  • 11000 Bouleau Lake Road
  • Select properties on Bouleau Lake Road (no civic address, please see map)
  • 980 Gates Road
  • 10780 Whiteman Creek Road
  • 11140 Whiteman Creek Road
  • Select properties on Whiteman Creek Road (no civic address, please see map)                                                    

Residents in the area are advised to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice. They should be prepared to be away from their home for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.

An evaluation of the situation is underway and specific details will be released as they are confirmed. Public safety and the safety of emergency response personnel are the primary concerns at this time.

In the Central Okanagan and across the Province, the Emergency Support Services (ESS) program now offers an online registration system for those who may be on Evacuation Alert or Order. It allows households/people to self-register with the ESS organization online rather than in-person at an Evacuation Reception Centre. In-person registration will still be available for those without computer access or in the event of a power outage affecting online services. Even if registered, evacuees in the Central Okanagan who require services (food, lodging, etc.) will still need to visit an Evacuation Reception Centre in order to receive the appropriate supplier forms as specific paperwork is required in order to access these services.

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:

  • Avoid the area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
  • Please only call 911 in case of emergency. Call *5555 on a cell phone to report a wildfire.
  • For up-to-date information on the situation, including a map, and to sign up for e-updates, visit cordemergency.ca
  • Information will also be provided via twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDEmergency
  • For more information, contact the information line at 250-469-8490 (local) or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free)