Bear Creek Fire News Release 8

West Kelowna, B.C.  – The Emergency Operation Centre advises that the Evacuation Alert for the Bear Creek wildfire will remain in place overnight.

Residents living on streets north of Bear Creek Road and Parkinson Road, including Bear Creek Road, Petterson Road, Rose Valley Road, Dougmac Road and Bear Creek Main, should be ready to leave their homes on short notice, should fire conditions change requiring an Evacuation Order.

These people 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, important documents and clothing.  Approximately 54 of the properties affected by the Evacuation Alert have dwellings or other structures.

The BC Wildfire Service air and ground attack on the 1.8-hectare fire is making good progress and the fire is 100 % contained.  However, with the gusty wind conditions late this afternoon and into the evening, the decision has been made in the interest of public safety to keep the Evacuation Alert in place in case there is a need to upgrade to an Evacuation Order. 

BC Wildfire ground firefighters will continue to work on this fire during the remaining hours of daylight this evening.  They will remain on patrol throughout the fire area overnight.  Residents may see smoke or flames during the overnight hours.  Please do not call 911 regarding this fire as it is being continually monitored.

Boaters on Okanagan Lake in the area adjacent to Bear Creek Provincial Park should stay clear and leave plenty of room for any aerial fire fighting activity that may take place in the remaining daylight hours.

Tomorrow morning the BC Wildfire Service will assess the fire situation to determine any possible change in the status of the Evacuation Alert.  The next update is expected after 8:30 am.

Go to cordemergency.ca for the most current confirmed information.