Online Returning Home Information Session scheduled for White Rock Lake evacuees

White Rock Lake Wildfire

News release No. 51 — Central Okanagan, B.C. — A Returning Home Information Session for Central Okanagan West Electoral Area residents, who have been evacuated due to the White Rock Lake Wildfire, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 1 between 4 and 5 p.m. at www.youtube.com/regionaldistrict.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre (CORD Emergency) staff will livestream the meeting. No registration is required. CORD Emergency will also post a recording of the information session on the YouTube channel for those unable to watch in real time or who want to revisit information provided during the session.

“This meeting will help residents with what they might see, some of the things they can do in advance and what they should expect as they return home in days ahead,” says Emergency Operations Centre Director Corie Griffiths. “Subject matter experts will provide general information for Central Okanagan West Electoral Area based on housing, road and utility assessments that are being conducted in the area.”

As the session is public, the meeting will not be an opportunity for residents to ask questions about specific properties; however, the Regional District has already directly contacted residents whose properties have been substantially damaged by the wildfire.

Residents attending the session will hear information about what to expect when returning to their homes in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area including:

  • The status of homes based on assessments that are underway, including:
    • Green, minor or no fire damage
    • Orange, restricted use
    • Red, unsafe
  • Updates on efforts to restore water, power and other utilities
  • Dangers that may exist on the surrounding property including tree fall, burnt trees and root structures and other visible and hidden hazards to expect after a wildfire
  • Health and mental health supports
  • Garbage and waste management services available

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre is also preparing a Returning Home Guide that will be available to residents prior to their return home. Residents will find this and other resources on the EOC website at www.cordemergency.ca/resources.