Mount Law fire planned ignitions set for today

News release No. 14 Central Okanagan, B.C. —The Mount Law wildfire remains at 800 hectares in size and crews will continue their suppression efforts throughout the day, including planned ignitions that may result in visible flames and smoke throughout the area. All evacuation orders and alerts for the fire remain in place.

At this time crews have established fire guards on the north, east and west sides of the fire. Today fire efforts will be focused on the south and south west perimeter of the fire.

BC Wildfire Services planned ignitions will target the south west corner of Drought Hill between the Mount Law fire perimeter and Highway 97C (Coquihalla Connector). Planned ignitions slated for last night did not proceed due to unfavorable conditions.

The wildfire is visible from Highway 97C and for the safety of travellers, motorists should not be stopping along the highway to observe or take photos of the wildfire and to allow crews to safely do their work. Motorists are to follow the direction of highway crews.

BC Wildfire crews have 45 firefighters and 31 pieces of heavy equipment on the ground in addition to fire fighting efforts being supported by firefighters from six fire departments (West Kelowna, Sundre Alberta, Woss Lake, Pt. McNeill, North Cowichan, Willowbrook). Four helicopters will continue to action the fire throughout the day.

“West Kelowna firefighters were out all night and will keep working aggressively today to fight the fire in tandem with the BC Wildfire Service, hitting the fire perimeter and monitoring hot spots,” says Jason Brolund, Fire Chief of West Kelowna Fire Rescue.

A detailed map is available at cordemergency.ca/map.

Last nights highly visible fire activity on the Mount Law fire is a reminder to all residents the fire is still considered out of control and residents need to continue to be vigilant. Residents can stay informed by signing up for e-updates at cordemergency.ca.

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.

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.

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.