Correction: Evacuation Order remains for Attenborough Road

News Release No. 55 — Central Okanagan, B.C. — White Rock Lake New news release no. 54 incorrectly included properties along Attenborough Road. These properties remain under Evacuation Order at this time. It is expected that all evacuated residents and property owners will be allowed back into the area by the weekend.

Evacuation Orders for the Valley of the Sun subdivision have been rescinded and downgraded to Evacuation Alerts today. Residents may return home for the following properties:

  • Alpine Road
  • Balsam Road
  • Briarwood Road
  • Firwood Road
  • Westside Road (7875, 7951, 7981, 8015, 8039, 8255, 8285, 8415)
  • Westside Road North (7919, 8055, 8063, 8219, 8325, 8375)
  • Wood Road

All other Evacuation Orders will remain in place within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area until further notice, subject to ongoing wildfire suppression, road, hazard and structural assessments and mitigation works required before evacuated residents can safely return.

Find a detailed map showing properties on Order and Alert at www.cordemergency.ca/map.

The BC Wildfire Service and North Westside Fire Rescue remind everyone that the 83,112-hectare White Rock Lake wildfire remains active and out of control and residents in the Alert areas should be prepared to leave their home at a moment’s notice.

Returning residents are reminded that they may encounter remaining hazards on their properties. Information on what to expect when returning home after a wildfire can be found at www.cordemergency.ca/resources.

Regional District of the Central Okanagan is hosting a Returning Home Information Session today, Wednesday, Sept. 1 between 4 and 5 p.m. at www.youtube.com/regionaldistrict.

As focus begins to shift to local-area recovery, the Regional District of the Central Okanagan has initiated a dedicated recovery office. Area residents and property owners who experienced significant structural damage will be able to access resources at rdco.com/recovery, email recovery@rdco.com or call 250-469-6111.  

Insurance

Contact your insurance provider immediately for instructions. They may require documentation, photographs or other information to process your claim.

Electrical & Food Safety

Electrical service has been restored within the evacuated arena, however, electrical lines within may have been de-energized at the request of and for the safety of emergency responders. Extended periods without electrical service may impact the availability of other services, such as water or septic depending on your source/provider, or flipped breakers.

Food in your fridge or freezer may no longer be safe to eat. Do not take any chances with the safety of your food.  The Government of British Columbia has information on Food and Water Safety for residents affected by wildfires. Interior Health advises, ‘when in doubt, throw it out’!

Telecommunications

Service providers are working to maintain service availability in the area. Please contact your provider.

Access & Road Closures

The BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has assessed hazards on Westside Road between Shalal and Firwood Roads. Residents reentering the area must enter from the south along Westside Road. Traffic control will be in place to ensure local traffic only into the new alert area.

Westside Road will remain closed from Firwood to Irish Creek Roads until further assessments and mitigation work can be completed by BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Visit www.drivebc.ca for more information.

Wildlife & Waste Management

The transfer station at North Westside Transfer Station is currently closed. At this time, residents returning to their homes will need to use the transfer station at Traders Cove for waste disposal. Visit rdco.com/recycle for more information on hours and directions. A fridge and freezer disposal program is being coordinated. Further details will be provided shortly.

Due to active wildfire, increased wildlife activity has been reported in the area.  Residents are reminded to secure and properly dispose of waste that may attract wildlife.

Water Quality

A Water Quality Advisory is in place until further notice for the Upper Fintry-Shalal Road-Valley of the Sun water systems.

As a precaution it’s recommended that all customers for these systems – especially those with weakened immune systems, children and the elderly – boil all water intended for drinking, making beverages or ice, washing fruit and vegetables, or brushing teeth for at least one minute.

Customers can visit rdco.com/water for current water quality conditions and updates.