More evacuation alerts and orders lifted in West Kelowna: EOC

As emergency crews continue to make progress on the McDougall Creek Wildfire the Evacuation Alerts have been rescinded for the following properties:

• 5455 & 5495 DEIGHTON ROAD
• 5625 WESTSIDE ROAD
• All properties accessed off WESTSIDE ROAD, North of Nahun to South of La Casa including:
  • 5875, 6409, 6421, 6457, 6469, 6481 & 6493 WESTSIDE ROAD
  • 6445 WESTSIDE ROAD NORTH

An Evacuation Order has also been partially rescinded, mostly impacting Crown Land in the Bear Creek area. The following areas remain on Evacuation Order:

• Bald Range Creek

• Bear Lake Road (Bear Main)
• Blue Grouse Mountain Road

To view a detailed map of areas remaining under Evacuation Order or Alert, please visit cordemergency.ca/map.

Residents returning to these areas are reminded that they are now on Evacuation Alert and must be prepared to leave at a moment's notice and be away from home for an extended period.

With more residents returning home from the McDougall Creek wildfire, motorists using Westside Road must use caution when travelling and be aware of wildfire crews onsite, vehicles and heavy equipment. Other cautions and hazards to be wary of include hazardous tree removals, increased public presence, wildlife and changing road conditions.

Area Restriction Order

BC Wildfire Service has extended the McDougall Creek wildfire Area Restriction Order, and remains in force until 12 p.m. on October 3, 2023 or until the Order is rescinded. Bear Creek Provincial Park remains closed to the public. Please avoid entering Bear Creek Provincial Park from both the main entrance on Westside Road as well as from the waterfront onto the beach.

No-Drone Zone

Drones continue to be spotted in the wildfire area putting lives at risk and disrupting efforts of BC Wildfire Service. The airspace used by wildfire response aircraft is prohibited to limit any interference and to allow aircraft to focus on wildfire suppression. The restricted area is within a radius of five nautical miles around the fire and to an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level. Anyone interfering with wildfire control efforts, including the use of drones, can face penalties up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail. Learn more about restrictions here

Returning Home

Resident returning home can find important checklists, contact numbers and frequently asked questions in the Returning Home Guide

Home clean-up kits have been donated by Red Cross and are available for pick up at the Resiliency Centre. Additional support services and resources can be accessed at the centre:

• Address: 403 – 3031 Louie Drive, Governor’s Landing, Westbank First Nation
• Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Call 250-469-6327 or email resiliency.centre@rdco.com   

When returning to wildfire-affected areas, residents are asked to be cautious as conditions have changed to varying degrees. Know your hazards after a wildfire, visit the Province of B.C.’s website.

For the safety of the public, please respect barricades and closures in wildfire-affected outdoor spaces and privacy of others on neighbouring properties and refrain from trespassing.

Current active wildfire situation

The BC Wildfire Service reports that the McDougall Creek wildfire remains out of control and fire suppression activities continue with wildfire crews, aircraft and heavy equipment.

The wildfire size remains at an estimated 13,970.4 hectares.

Stay up to date

Visit the BC Wildfire Service website for McDougall Creek Wildfire incident information.