McDougall Creek operational update
Central Okanagan, B.C. – With the bulk of Evacuation Orders in the vicinity of the McDougall Creek wildfire rescinded and the reopening of Westside Road, motorists must use caution when travelling and be aware of wildfire crews onsite, vehicles, and heavy equipment. Other cautions and hazards to be wary of include hazardous tree removals, increased public presence, wildlife and changing road conditions.
When returning to wildfire-impacted areas, residents are asked to please respect the privacy of others on neighbouring properties and refrain from intruding.
The total number of properties on Evacuation Order in the Central Okanagan have been updated to reflect the recent rescindments over the past 24 hours including Lake Okanagan Resort properties, secondary suites and vacant properties from 380 to 99 properties as of today at 9 a.m. Evacuation Alerts are now reported at 4,860 properties from 4,858.
Remaining orders are under review with further updates expected later today.
For updates on evacuation alerts and order areas, go to cordmergency.ca.
Returning home
Residents returning home can find important checklists, contact numbers and frequently asked questions in the Returning Home Guide
Home clean-up kits have been kindly donated by Red Cross and can be picked up at the Resiliency Centre. Additional support services and resources can be accessed at the centre:
- Address: 403 – 3031 Louie Drive, Governor’s Landing, Westbank First Nation
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Contact: by phone at 250-469-6327 or via email at resiliency.centre@rdco.com
Area restrictions still in effect
The McDougall Creek wildfire Area Restriction Order is still in effect until Sept. 15, 2023, with the possibility of extension. Find more information and a map at: blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/area-restriction-implemented-for-the-mcdougall-creek-wildfire-k52767
The area restriction order is in place for public safety, due to the following hazards:
- Heavy equipment and chainsaw operators: Heavy equipment and chainsaw operators can’t hear or see you when operating equipment.
- Ash pits: Deep, intensely burning stumps and tree roots may result in hot ashpits underground that can lead to severe burns if you step or fall into one.
- Falling trees: Drought and burnt-out tree roots cause unstable trees that may fall at any time, especially if it’s windy
Current active wildfire situation
The BC Wildfire Service reports that the McDougall Creek Wildfire remains out of control. It is being actioned on by an Incident Management Team, six helicopters, 168 firefighters, 39 operational field staff, 29 pieces of heavy equipment, and BC Hydro technicians and RCMP.
The wildfire is estimated at 13,970.4 hectares with no confirmed growth in the past 24 hours. Planned arial ignitions are planned for later this week in the Hidden Creek area. Updates as to when this ignition will occur will be provided by BC Wildfire Service once the decision has been made to go ahead with the operation. This ignition will be less than ten hectares in size and will only occur if the weather conditions are favorable.
Stay up to date
Visit the BC Wildfire Service website for McDougall Creek Wildfire incident information.
Residents are asked to stay up to date through the cordermergency.ca and subscribe to receive e-updates.
For municipal and local government information such as garbage collection and transfer station hours, water quality updates, park and local road closures, visit:
Visit us online:
