No change to orders/alerts for Mount Law fire

News Release No. 12 Central Okanagan, B.C. — More favourable weather conditions are helping first responders as they continue to work on the Mt. Law wildfire.  While this is good news, BC Wildfire reports the 800-hectare blaze remains out of control.

As a result, all evacuation orders and alerts remain in place and have not been changed. A detailed map is available at cordemergency.ca/map.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund says “We have 33 structural firefighters from six fire departments (West Kelowna, Sundre Alberta, Woss Lake, Pt. McNeill, North Cowichan, Willowbrook) and 10 trucks and equipment on the fire lines today.  They’re continuing to extinguish hot spots and flare ups around homes within the fire perimeter in order to make the areas safe with the goal of eventually rescinding the evacuation order.  BC Wildfire crews continue to action active fire areas on the hillsides with both air and ground support.”

If residents witness any spot fires threatening homes or other values or growing rapidly, they should call 9-1-1 immediately and fire crews will be directed to that area.

Brolund adds, “West Kelowna Fire Rescue thanks all residents for the massive outpouring of support.  While we appreciate their generosity, we’re unable to accept donations of food and other supplies.  Instead,” he says, “we would really rather residents and property owners help us protect their properties by practising FireSmart techniques.”

Residents on Alert returning to their properties 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.

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.