Mount Law evacuation order rescinded for Gates Road
News Release No. 13 Central Okanagan, B.C. —Favourable weather has helped the efforts of crews fighting the Mount Law wildfire. As a result, eight properties on Gates Road have been downgraded from an evacuation order to an alert:
- 3658 to 3760 Gates Road
Although weather conditions are helping crews, all other existing orders and alerts remain in place. A detailed map is available at cordemergency.ca/map.
Residents returning to their properties are reminded that they may encounter various hazards as a result of the forest fire. As active fire suppression work continues throughout the area of the fire, please stay out of the way of emergency vehicles and crews. Do not block access to streets or properties.
“Crews are continuing fire suppression efforts within the fire perimeter and will monitor overnight,” says Jason Brolund, Fire Chief of West Kelowna Fire Rescue. BC Wildfire crews continue to action active fire areas on the hillsides with both air and ground support.
Firefighting efforts are being supported by 33 structural firefighters from six fire departments (West Kelowna, Sundre Alberta, Woss Lake, Pt. McNeill, North Cowichan, Willowbrook) along with 10 trucks and other equipment.
“Residents in the area can expect to see smoke and burning materials throughout the next few days as the fire burns near the top of the mountain but residents can be assured that West Kelowna crews, together with Peachland Fire Rescue, are closely monitoring conditions and will control the flare ups as necessary,” says Brolund.
Additional smoke or fire may also be visible because of controlled ignitions to strengthen fireguards.
The wildfire is visible from Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector) and for the safety of travellers, motorists are asked to refrain from stopping along the highway to observe the wildfire.
If residents witness any spot fires threatening homes or other areas showing rapid growth, they should call 9-1-1 immediately and fire crews will be directed to that area.
Burnt trees with little or no limbs have limited structural support and may fall at any time. Burning root structures leave the surrounding ground unstable and extremely hot. Wild animals may have been affected by the fire. If you spot an animal in distress, keep your distance and contact the Conservation Office at 250-828-2551.
BC Emergency Preparedness has additional information for returning home after a wildfire.
The Emergency Support Services reception centre at 1480 Sutherland Avenue is open until 6 p.m. Evacuated residents can also call 1-833-498-3770 to register and access assistance, such as lodging and food, from Emergency Support Services. Evacuated residents are encouraged to register even if they have accommodations in case emergency officials need to contact them.
Residents in the Alert areas are reminded to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice. They should be prepared to be away from their home for an extended period of time, pre-register with ESS online at ess.gov.bc.ca, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.
Residents can stay informed by signing up for e-updates at cordemergency.ca.
Visitors from outside of the Central Okanagan should check DriveBC.ca to confirm highways are open before heading back home. Anyone wishing to check whether friends or family have been evacuated can use the “Find an address or place” search feature on the website at cordemergency.ca/map. Properties within the red outline are on Evacuation Order and properties within the amber outline are on Evacuation Alert.
For more information about this wildfire, visit cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates, or call the information line at 250-469-8490.
