Top Stories – Aug 13 – White Rock Heat

The evacuation order was re-issued yesterday, for 608 properties in Fintry, La Casa and Shalal Road within RDCO’s Central Okanagan West Electoral Area. Residents on Evacuation Order should expect to be away from their homes for an extended period of time and report to Emergency Social Services at the Salvation Army on Sutherland in Kelowna.

The Incident Commander for the White Rock Lake wildfire says this isn’t just a fire, it’s a catastrophic event. Mark Healy says in his 28 years, he’s never seen forest fuels this dry. He adds high temperatures, low humidity and an increase in winds are making wildfire conditions challenging all over southern British Columbia.

Residents of the community of Logan Lake, which is southwest of Kamloops, have been told to get out. It is in danger from the 36-thousand hectare Tremont Creek wildfire. People have been told to head to Chilliwack Secondary school as there is no accommodation available in Merritt or Ashcroft.

With temperatures forecast for the mid thirties this weekend, Interior Health is reminding us of some of the symptoms of possible heat stroke. They include pale, cool, moist skin; heavy sweating; fatigue, and weakness. More severe symptoms including high fever, hallucinations and seizures require urgent medical attention.

Local cities are issuing reminders on how to deal with the heat this weekend. They suggest to avoid activities during the hottest part of the day, usually 11am to 5pm. If you must be outdoors, keep up the water intake, wear a hat and sunscreen and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Also check in with seniors and neighbours and offer help to those who may struggle with the heat.

There are reports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning to call a snap election this weekend for Sept. 20. He wants approval for the government’s plans to combat COVID. Recent polls show the Liberals at 35 percent support, the Conservatives at 26 percent, and the NDP is third at 16 percent.

The province is now requiring anyone who works in long term care or assisted living facilities to be vaccinated against covid 19 by October 12. It also applies to volunteers and personal service workers. At the Brookhaven Care Centre in West Kelowna, five residents and 18 staff have the virus. In the past week there were 849 new cases in the Central Okanagan.

Anyone in Lake Country needing a covid vaccine can check out the pop up clinic on Sunday. It’s at Intrigue Wines from noon to 3 and there’s a chance to win a gift card to Intrigue and a pizza party at O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars, each valued at $150. The walk-in clinic is for first vaccine doses or the second 28 days after receiving the first.

Charges have been laid following a fatal accident last Thanksgiving Day on Highway 33 at Goudie Road. A 60-year old man from the South Okanagan was hit head-on by an eastbound SUV which crossed into the motorcyclist’s lane. The 19 year old driver, Carlie Dudych of Kelowna has been charged with driving without due care and attention.

Sports

In Calgary last night, the BC Lions picked up their first win of the year, against one loss, beating the Stampeders 15-9. Michael Reilly, who started at quarterback for BC, scored the game’s only touchdown. The Argos take on the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg tonight.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is continuing to work his way back from a right shoulder strain that sidelined him during training camp. He intends to undergo another MRI after his team’s return to Dallas from its training camp headquarters in California.

Single-event sports betting could begin in Canada as early as Aug. 27 after the federal government announced more details regarding the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. The next step is for provinces to regulate implementation.

NASCAR is in Indianapolis this weekend, but not on the Speedway circuit. Instead of just turning left, they’ll turn right as well on the Road Course.

Going into the second day of the PGA’s Wyndham Championship in North Carolina, American Russell Henley has the lead after a round of 8 under yesterday. Canadian Adam Hadwin was 2 shots back with 2 holes left to play before play was suspended due to darkness.

The Los Angeles Clippers locked up Kawhi Leonard to a new contract. The deal is for four years and worth $176.3 million. The 30-year-old has averaged 26 points per game in a Clippers uniform.