Mount Law wildfire evacuation order and alert update
News Release No. 18 Central Okanagan, B.C. — Due to reduced fire activity on the north end of the Mount Law wildfire following lowering temperatures and increased precipitation, one property on Turnbull Road and two properties on Emerald Road have been downgraded from evacuation order to alert today.
"We are grateful to return nearly all West Kelowna residents to their homes today and want to thank them for their cooperation,” said Jason Brolund, Fire Chief of West Kelowna Fire Rescue. “The Mount Law wildfire remains active and considered out of control. We would like to thank BC Wildfire Service for standing alongside us and for continually increasing resources to help fire suppression efforts.”
The following properties downgraded from evacuation order to alert are:
- 3713 and 3725 Emerald Road
- 3770 Turnbull Road
The following properties remain on evacuation order:
- 4713 MacKinnon Road
- 3250 Highway 97
All other evacuation alerts and orders remain in place. A detailed map showing the remaining alert and order areas is available at cordemergency.ca/map.
Returning residents are reminded that they may encounter various hazards on private properties as a result of the forest fire. Crews continue fire suppression in the area, and residents should stay out of the way of emergency vehicles and crews.
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.
Evacuated residents can call 1-833-498-3770 to register and access assistance, such as lodging and food, from Emergency Support Services (ESS). The ESS reception centre at 1480 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, is open until 6 p.m. today. Evacuated residents are encouraged to register even if they have accommodations.
An area restriction remains in place for public safety reasons, and the public is reminded to maintain a safe distance from the fire and all fire suppression activity.
Motorists are reminded they 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.
For more information about the Mount Law wildfire, visit cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates, follow Central Okanagan Emergency Operations social media channels at facebook.com/cordemergency or twitter.com/CO_emerg, or call the information line at 250-469-8490.
