Mount Law Wildfire update
News Release No. 24 Central Okanagan, B.C. — There has been no significant growth of the Mount Law fire in the last 24 hours, with BC Wildfire indicating the fire is estimated at 976 hectares. While the weather has been favourable, the fire remains out of control.
“Crews on the ground have noticed that some members of the public continue to enter the wildfire area for recreational purposes such as hiking and using off-road vehicles,” said Jason Brolund, Fire Chief of West Kelowna Fire Rescue. “For the safety of the public and fire crews, we want to remind the community that there is an Area Restriction Order in place and they should not be entering the fire area for recreation purposes.”
A detailed description of the Area Restriction Order is available on the BC Wildfire information bulletin. A map indicating the boundaries of the restriction is available on the Area Restriction Map. The Area Restriction Order prevents access to public land, including for recreation activity (such as hiking, biking, ATVS), but does not apply to private/residential properties.
BC Wildfire has stated that additional crews from Mexico arrived yesterday and that skimmer aircrafts are planning on conducting a practice water drop on the Mount Law wildfire in the early afternoon today. The additional crews will be on the fire line today to assist with suppression efforts. With the additional crew members and the skimmer aircrafts visible to the public, please note that this increased activity is not the result of increased fire activity.
As aircraft may be picking up water off of Okanagan Lake today, boaters on Okanagan Lake are asked to stay clear of the area so that skimmers can safely conduct their work. While the work is a planned operation for training purposes, it will also aid in suppression efforts.
There are no changes to Evacuation Orders or Alerts. A detailed map showing properties on Order and Alert can be found at cordemergency.ca/map.
Residents in the Alert areas should be prepared to leave their home at a moment’s notice. They should pre-register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) online at ess.gov.bc.ca, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.
Motorists are reminded to not stop 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 and can check Drive BC for the latest information on traffic impacts.
Anyone who witnesses any spot fires threatening homes or other areas showing rapid growth should call 9-1-1 immediately, and fire crews will be directed to that area.
Central Okanagan evacuees can find out more about Emergency Support Services by calling 250-469-8512 or by visiting the Central Okanagan ESS Reception Centre at 1480 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and noon to 6 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday August 29.
For more information on the Mount Law wildfire, visit cordemergency.ca or the BC Wildfire Service website, 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.
