Shelter Cove Fire News Release #8

The Evacuation Order for the active 430-hectare Shelter Cove fire remains in effect this morning for approximately 70 homes along Westside Road.

Properties affected by the Order include those from 3985 Westside Road north to La Casa Resort (but not including La Casa) and the following roads: Denison Road, Shelter Cove Road and Deighton Road.

North Westside and Wilsons Landing structural fire crews knocked down a few hotspots during their overnight patrols through the evacuated area.  BC Wildfire Service ground firefighters also monitored the fire overnight which remains at an estimated 430-hectares.  At this point in fighting the active fire, there are no structures known to be lost.

Incident Command will be meeting later this morning to determine today’s plan of attack for fighting the fire.  The Wildfire Service says yesterday’s aerial attack focused on building and reinforcing retardant lines along the northern and southern flanks of the fire while on the ground crews and equipment established hand and machine guards.

RCMP members are continuing security patrols on land and on water within the Evacuation Area. Boaters on Okanagan Lake are asked to stay well away from the area in order to allow Wildfire Service air crews to gather water.

59 people have registered at the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre. The centre will reopen this morning at 8:30 a.m. in the Westside Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna.  Residents within the Evacuation Order area should register for assistance by ESS volunteers with food, lodging and clothing needs.  As well, volunteers with the Canadian Animal Disaster Response Team (CDART) are on hand to help evacuees that have animals or may call 250-809-7152 for assistance.

There are no Evacuation Alerts associated with this fire. Neither La Casa Resort or Lake Okanagan Resort are under the Evacuation Order or Alert at this time.

Westside Road is still closed between Cinnabar Creek and La Casa Resort.  For the latest road information please visit the Drive BC website, www.drivebc.ca.