Evacuation Alert for Brenda Creek wildfire News Release 1

News Release No. 1 Central Okanagan, B.C. – The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre has been activated in response to the Brenda Creek wildfire, northwest of Peachland and south of the Okanagan Connector Hwy 97-C.

At the recommendation of BC Wildfire Service, the RDCO has issued an Evacuation Alert for the mostly rural Crown land and recreation sites in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area south of Highway 97-C.  The Alert area also includes portions of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) and Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD).  Anyone affected in those regional districts should check with their emergency program.

Those impacted by this Evacuation Alert in the RDCO should be prepared to leave their residence or camping area with short notice. 

The Emergency Operation Centre is working with all utilities and agencies including BC Hydro to monitor the wildfire and its potential impact.  Residents and businesses can visit bchydro.com for information on how to prepare in the event the wildfire results in any power outage.

It’s anticipated further information on the status of this Evacuation Alert and wildfire response will be available from the EOC before 12 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday).

The Central Okanagan continues to see hot, dry conditions with little prospect for significant precipitation.  Residents and visitors should be vigilant and aware that the fire hazard remains extreme and that campfires and open fires are not allowed.  In addition, smoking is not allowed in any parks. Central Okanagan emergency officials encourage motorists to safely extinguish smoking materials. 

If you see smoke from a wildfire, report it at *5555 from a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555. If there is threat to life call 9-1-1. 

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website, cordemergency.ca, is a centralized location for regional public emergency and preparedness information, including links to useful provincial and federal emergency resources such as PreparedBC, BC Wildfire Services, Emergency Management BC and Air Quality readings. 

Be sure to sign-up for e-updates to receive timely updates directly to your inbox about emergency incidents. The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre also provides information on Facebook at facebook.com/CORDEmergency and Twitter at twitter.com/CO_Emerg