Canada: West Kelowna: fire

156 properties under evacuation order as West Kelowna fire grows

Bear Creek Provincial Park also evacuated, and 14 properties are on evacuation alert

 

High winds and dry conditions caused the rapid growth of a 10-hectare fire near Bear Creek Provincial campground in West Kelowna, B.C., forcing 156 properties to be put under an evacuation order.

 

In addition to the campground, the Trader’s Cove subdivision and properties along Bear Creek Road north of Parkinson Road — including Dougmac, Rose Valley and Petterson Roads — are under the evacuation order.

 

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said an additional 14 properties are under evacuation order in the Pine Point subdivision off Westside Road.

Westside Road is also closed between Bear Creek Road and Pine Point subdivision.

 

As of 6:45 a.m. PT, there are no reports of any properties damaged.

 

No homes have been lost ot the fire, which is good news,” said Bruce Smith, information officer with the Central Okanagan Regional District

 

“Some out buildings, like sheds, may have been damaged, but right now we know that no homes have been lost.”

 

Max Birkner, fire information officer with the B.C. Wildlife Service, says seven provincial fire fighters are already at Bear Creek, and 31 more are on the way.

 

An Emergency Support reception centre has been set up at Lions Hall, 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna, and will reopen at 9:00 a.m. this morning.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/west-kelowna-fire-1.3730585