Bear Creek Fire News Release 11

While the Bear Creek wildfire is now estimated at 75% containment, the area is not yet safe enough to allow remaining residents in Traders Cove to return.

People may notice a lot of smoke and some visible flames coming from the active fire area as crews continue working to fully extinguish the blaze.

The Evacuation Order remains in effect for 105 properties in the Traders Cove subdivision and Bear Creek Provincial Park. The fire is still active throughout the almost 53-hectare area and structural fire crews from Wilson’s Landing and North Westside Fire Rescue are working on the ground along with approximately 45 BC Wildfire Service firefighters and various pieces of fire fighting equipment.

There is currently no electricity through the fire evacuation area and infrastructure such as power poles will need to be replaced and power/telecommunications lines put back in place.

The Evacuation Alert remains in place for 65 properties including 51 along Bear Creek Road north of the Parkinson Road intersection including Dougmac, Rose Valley and Petterson Roads and14 properties in the Pine Point subdivision off Westside Road, north of Traders Cove. These residents should be prepared to leave their home at a moment’s notice.

Westside Road remains closed between Bear Creek Provincial Park and Traders Cove through the fire area.

The Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre in the Lions Hall at 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna is open to assist evacuees. More than 350 people have registered for assistance with ESS volunteers.

View the map on cordemergency.ca to see the current area under evacuation order or evacuation alert.

Information for residents returning home
Hazardous conditions may still exist on private properties. Watch for hazards such as fallen or wind-damaged trees.
Food safety
If the power has been out in your home the food in your fridge or freezer may no longer be safe to eat. Interior Health provides useful information for residents returning to their homes. Visit their emergency preparedness webpages which deal with exposure to smoke from forest fires, food safety, water quality and septic tanks and disposal fields.
Power
Check BC Hydro for updates on power outages.

Visit cordemergency.ca or follow @CO_Emerg on Twitter for the latest updates.