Shelter Cove Fire News Release No. 9

BC Wildfire Service is working with air tankers to action smoke that’s been reported on the south flank of the Shelter Cove/Westside Road fire. Residents do not have to contact 911 about this.

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

Properties affected by the Order include those from 3595 Westside Road north to La Casa Resort (but not including La Casa) and the following roads: Denison Road, Shelter Cove Road and Deighton Road. This address range has been adjusted to correspond to the map and Declaration of Local Emergency and correct a previous oversight in addresses that are impacted by the Evacuation.

At this point in fighting the active fire, there are no structures known to be lost.

BC Hydro crews have not been able to access the impacted area, but the fire has passed through some of Hydro’s equipment. It is not safe for BC Hydro crews to enter the area at this time to assess any potential damage. BC Hydro is taking steps to ensure it is prepared to respond if there is damage to its infrastructure, including the assembly of materials, crews, designers and other experts that may be required. In the meantime, crews continue work to restore as many customers as possible. Last night, they were able to switch some customers to another circuit, restoring power to 300.

To ensure that the reconfigured system does not get overloaded, BC Hydro asks customers that have been restored to minimize their power usage until the wildfire has been contained and Hydro is able to fully repair the system. Please plug in and turn on only what is needed.

The utility has also been instrumental in helping the Regional District of Central Okanagan continue providing services with delivery of a generator and related equipment. For the latest information regarding power outages visit the BC Hydro website at www.bchydro.com.

Westside Road remains closed between Cinnabar Creek and La Casa Resort. Westside Road is still open in both directions from the north to La Casa Resort and from the south to the closure at Cinnabar Creek. For the latest road information please visit the Drive BC website, www.drivebc.ca.

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.

The Emergency Support Services Reception Centre continues to provide assistance at the Westside Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna. Emergency Management BC has approved an extension to accommodation for those registered for up to 72 hours should that be needed.

Volunteers with the Canadian Animal Disaster Response Team (CDART) are on hand at the reception centre to help evacuees that have animals or they 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.