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UPDATE: 6:54 PM from CORD: The Evacuation Order for 105 properties in Traders Cove and Bear Creek Provincial Park will remain in place overnight. Westside Road remains closed between Bear Creek Provincial Park and Traders Cove.
In addition, the Evacuation Alert remains in place for 51 properties along Bear Creek Road north of the Parkinson Road intersection including Dougmac, Rose Valley and Petterson Roads, as well as 14 properties in the Pine Point subdivision off Westside Road, north of Traders Cove. Residents on Evacuation Alert should be prepared to leave their home at a moment’s notice.
UPDATE: The Bear Creek wildfire is now 60 per cent contained. There are still 46 BC Wildfire Service personnel fighting the fire, along with firefighters from Wilson’s Landing, West Kelowna and North Westside fire departments.
Right now, the crews are focusing on laying hose and digging a hand guard around the fire, as well as felling dangerous trees in the area. An approximately 30-person crew will remain at the fire overnight to continue containment efforts.
The cause of this fire is still under investigation.
UPDATE: The Bear Creek wildfire is now approximately 52.5 hectares in size, larger than crews initially estimated. The wildfire is is 30 per cent contained as fire fighters continue to contain the blaze.
Original Story:
The Bear Creek wildfire has grown to 25 hectares in size as crews continue to attack the wildfire off Westside Road.
More than 150 homes have been evacuated and an additional 14 properties remain under evacuation alert. Air support from BC Wildfire is now on site and boaters on Okanagan Lake are being asked to stay away from the area in and around Bear Creek.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire is zero per cent contained and several crews are still working together to establish containment. There are now 42 fire fighters and four air tankers, one bird-dog and four skimmers assigned to the wildfire.
The Emergency Support Services Centre is open at the Lions Hall on Main Street in West Kelowna and evacuees are being asked to register with the centre, even if they have their own accommodation.
People with pets can head to the Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital as the clinic is offering their services free of charge. Dr. Oz and the staff at the clinic will provide evacuees with whatever they may need including food and shelter for their pets at no charge. The staff can be reached at 250-769-9109.
Residents without power along Westside Road are asked to conserve water and a water quality advisory has been issued for those in nearby subdivisions.
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West Kelowna evacuees still waiting to return home
Boil water advisory issued for residents near Bear Creek
No homes lost in Bear Creek wildfire
Several wildfires burning in the Okanagan
Wildfire burning at Bear Creek
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