No change in Brenda Creek wildfire Evacuation Alert
News Release No. 7 Central Okanagan, B.C. – The Brenda Creek wildfire remains at an estimated 500 hectares and BC Wildfire Service says it is still classified out of control.
As a result, the Evacuation Alert continues for properties, three recreational camping areas and Crown land within the RDCO’s Central Okanagan West Electoral Area, south of Highway 97-C and northwest of Peachland. Those affected should be prepared to leave on short notice in the event of any change in fire status requiring an Evacuation Order.
A detailed map showing the Alert area is available online along with information on emergency preparedness at cordemergency.ca.
Today, structural firefighters and equipment from Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, North Westside and Willowbrook fire departments are on scene providing assistance to BC Wildfire Service crews.
There are 27 BC Wildfire firefighters on the ground supported by three helicopters and heavy equipment working the fire today.
BC Wildfire has implemented an Area Restriction Order for the Brenda Creek wildfire that will remain in effect until further notice and applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries shown on the map posted online: http://ow.ly/YPzp30rO8uZ
BC Hydro's assessment from the fly-over this morning is that there is no damage to their transmission infrastructure in the fire zone.
Because it's difficult to predict how much damage a wildfire may cause to the system and how long a power outage will last, it's important for BC Hydro customers to be prepared for an outage by:
- Having an emergency kit ready: kit should include a flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, ready-to-eat non-perishable foods and bottled water.
- Developing a preparedness plan: share it and be sure everyone knows what to expect and what to do.
- Knowing where to get information and updates on an outage: customers can visit bchydro.com/outages from their mobile device for the most up-to-date information on an outage and estimated restoration times once available.
Interior Health has food safety information online to assist residents and businesses that could be impacted by any disruption in electrical service:
Fortis BC also has information for its customers that could be affected by the wildfire. For more information visit fortisbc.com/forestfires.
The next update from the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre will be at 12 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday). The EOC remains ready to respond to any change in fire conditions as it supports first responders on the Brenda Creek wildfire.
All Central Okanagan residents are reminded that they should know the risks of potential emergencies, make a plan and prepare grab and go kits in the event they are required to leave their homes for at least 72 hours.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website cordemergency.ca Be Prepared page is a centralized location for regional public emergency and preparedness information, including links to useful provincial and federal emergency resources such as PreparedBC, BC Wildfire Services, Emergency Management BC and Air Quality readings.
Be sure to sign-up for e-updates to receive timely updates directly to your inbox about emergency incidents. The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre also provides information on Facebook at facebook.com/CORDEmergency and Twitter at twitter.com/CO_Emerg
