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RDNO issues evacuation alerts for wildfire near Echo Lake in Creighton Valley – Vernon News

Posted on by Vaseline

UPDATE 20:22

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Emergency Operations Centre issued an evacuation alert Friday night due to a wildfire near Echo Lake.

An evacuation alert has been issued for the following areas:

  • 11 Eight Mile Road

  • West end of Echo Lake east and south including DVM Bible Camp and properties 1812, 1815, 1824, 1848, 1855, 1864, 1871, 1876, 2126, 2230, 2234, 2241, 2242, 2244, 2245, 2246, 2376, 2432, 2450, 2478, 2485, 2510, 2514, 2530 Creighton Valley Road.

“An evacuation alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your facilities, property or recreational sites within the mapped area should it become necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, they may receive limited notice due to changing conditions,” the news release reads.

Below is a map that serves as a general guide to the evacuation area.

“Any property near the area should be prepared and ready to evacuate during threatening periods.”

Residents are advised to:

  • Locate family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area in case an evacuation order is issued while you are separated.

  • Pack essential items such as government-issued identification, medications, glasses, valuable documents, immediate care needs for dependents, and, if time and space permit, souvenirs for a quick departure.

  • Be prepared to transport disabled people, children or neighbors if they need assistance.

  • Be prepared to take your pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).

  • Arrange transportation for all household members. Fill personal vehicle gas tanks.

  • Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.

  • Wait for an evacuation order to be issued before evacuating.

  • Please monitor news, radio and online sources for information on evacuation orders and the location of reception centers.

Aydan Coray, fire information officer for the British Columbia Forest Fire Service, said the fire was originally mapped as four hectares, but once crews got a better look at it, it was reduced to 1.7 hectares.

Earlier on Friday, eight people were on site working to establish a water supply on the land.

“We had about three or four helicopters there overnight,” Coray added.

Two tanker trucks carrying flame retardant were also fighting the fire.

The RDNO said more information will be issued as the BC Wildfire Service updates.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.rdno.ca, the RDNO Facebook page and listen to local radio for more information.

UPDATE 16:37

The Creighton Valley wildfire is being controlled by helicopters and ground crews.

This is the Bonneau Creek Fire, which is estimated to cover about four hectares and is not currently threatening any structures.

Aydan Coray, fire information officer for the British Columbia Forest Fire Service, said the fire is “on top of a mound at a higher elevation.”

There are currently five ground personnel on site.

ORIGINAL STORY 4:07 pm

The British Columbia Wildfire Service is reporting a wildfire near Echo Lake in the Creighton Valley, several kilometres from Lumby.

According to the British Columbia Wildfire Service, the fire is estimated to be four hectares in size. It is currently classified as out of control.

The fire was detected at 2:40 pm on Friday.

Castanet has contacted the BCWS for further information.