UPDATE: Most of Mt. Law Fire evacuees allowed to return home
UPDATE: 4:00 p.m.
Most residents forced to leave their homes due to the Mount Law wildfire in West Kelowna can go home.
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said crews have made substantial progress in holding the fire with only one structure significantly damaged and one previously damaged outbuilding further compromised.
The evacuation order and alert areas related to the fire have been reduced to allow most residents to return to their properties.
Seventeen (17) properties remaining on evacuation order include:
3713 to 3725 Emerald Road
3658 to 3760 Gates Road
3250 Highway 97
3660 to 3680 McIver Road
3704 to 3770 Turnbull Road
477 properties remain on Evacuation Alert area and includes:
4305 to 4495 Maxwell Road
4715 to 5078 Paradise Valley Drive
5039 to 5051 Trepanier Court
4414 to 4690 Trepanier Road
4965 to 4975 Venner Court
All properties south and west of Glenrosa Road, north of Highway 97 and to the Municipal boundary of West Kelowna that are not under existing Evacuation Order
A detailed map showing the rescinded alert and order areas is available at cordemergency.ca.
Returning residents are reminded that they may encounter various hazards on private properties as a result of the forest fire. Active fire suppression work continues throughout the area of the fire, be respectful and stay out of the way of emergency vehicles and crews. Do not block access to streets or properties.
Burnt trees with little or no limbs have limited structural support and may fall at any time. Burning root structures leave the surrounding ground unstable and extremely hot. Wild animals may have been affected by the fire. If you spot an animal in distress, keep your distance and contact the Conservation Office at 250-828-2551.
As there was an extended disruption in electrical service. Power may still be out in some areas but is being restored as quickly as possible. Check BC Hydro outages for information about your area.
When returning after a power outage, food in your fridge or freezer may no longer be safe to eat. Do not take any chances with the safety of your food. That Government of British Columbia has information on Food and Water Safety for residents affected by wildfires.
BC Emergency Preparedness has additional information for returning home after a wildfire.
Residents in the Alert areas are reminded to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice. They should be prepared to be away from their home for an extended period of time, pre-register with ESS online at ess.gov.bc.ca, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.
Residents can stay informed by signing up for e-updates at cordemergency.ca.
For more information about this wildfire, visit cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates, or call the information line at 250-469-8490.
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Mt. Law Fire still out of control despite some rain and cooler temperatures Aug. 17, 2021
The little bit of rainfall and the cooler temperatures provided some relief to fire crews working overnight at the Mt. Law fire in West Kelowna, but the conditions are still very dry and the fire remains very active.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said B.C. Wildfire members joined crews from a number of local fire departments, including West Kelowna, to battle the blaze overnight. Those efforts to fight the wildfire continued into Tuesday morning and afternoon.
“There are currently 44 personnel in the area today. Our focus includes putting out hot spots, continuing patrols and completing damage assessments when it’s safe to do so,” said West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund in a release.
“It’s critical for the safety of our crews and suppression efforts that all residents leave and stay out of evacuated areas.”
As of noon Tuesday, B.C. Wildfire still has the Mt. Law fire classified as ‘Out of Control’ and at an estimated size of 800 hectares.
All evacuation orders and alerts remain in place.
Evacuees are encouraged to register at the Emergency Support Services website in order to access assistance with obtaining lodging or food.
Residents in Evacuation Alert areas are also advised to keep informed of the fire’s movements and be prepared to leave as soon as an Evacuation Order is issued so crews can get to work protecting structures and fighting the fire.