Transitioning to recovery efforts

Central Okanagan, B.C. — Eighteen properties on Bouleau Lake Road remain under Evacuation Order and properties from Estamont, Ewings Landing, Killiney Beach and Westshore Estates remain under Evacuation Alert due to the White Rock Lake wildfire. No change to this status is expected over the weekend.

Emergency Support Services at 1480 Sutherland Avenue will be closed through the long weekend, from Sept. 4 to 6, reopening Tuesday, Sept. 7 from noon – 4 pm. Evacuated residents requiring support services may call 250-469-8512, leave a message and a volunteer will call back.

Local residents are advised that a drone is being flown again Saturday morning from 6 to 9 am for an aerial assessment.

The public is asked to stay off Westside road and out of the area, to ensure access for emergency responders and local residents. Area residents must access their properties from the south along Westside Road as the north end of the road remains closed until further notice.

With access restored to the majority of Central Okanagan West Electoral properties this week, emergency operations support for the White Rock Lake fire is moving into the recovery phase.

The Regional District of the Central Okanagan has setup a dedicated recovery office for returning area residents and property owners who experienced significant structural damage. Information and resources, including the Returning Home Information guide, are available at www.rdco.com/recovery. Starting Tuesday, residents can email recovery@rdco.com or call 250-469-6111. 

The North Westside Transfer Station will be open daily at 8 am (until noon) starting Saturday, Sept 4. There will be no limit on the volume of household waste impacted households can dispose at this time. The North Westside Rd Transfer Stations is set up to receive bagged waste and non-burnt yard waste. The transfer station cannot take building materials, furniture, or large appliances, such as fridges and freezers. Hazardous material and demolition waste such as wood from damaged structures or burnt vehicles cannot be accepted. For a detailed disposal guide on how to manage your cleanup efforts visit www.rdco.com/recovery for Return to Home information.

For fridge and freezer collection, please call 1-855-238-9350 to book a pick up or inquire about self-drop off options.

Residents with animals in the care of ALERT 250-809-7152 to retrieve their animals.

Residents and the public are requested to stay out of the backcountry. An Area Restriction Order is in effect for all crown lands in in the vicinity of the White Rock Lake wildfire. Details and a map can be found on the BC Wildfire Service website.

Residents are reminded to be cautious of potential hazards in the area due to wildfire and fire suppression activity. Watch for wildlife, hazard trees and debris on the roads. Contact 9-1-1 if you see spot fires threatening homes or other areas showing rapid growth.

Stay informed during fire season. Visit cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates, follow Central Okanagan Emergency Operations social media channels at facebook.com/cordemergency or twitter.com/CO_emerg.