Evacuation order issued for south of Six Mile Creek Road in RDNO Area B

Residents on properties south of Six Mile Creek Road in Regional District of North Okanagan Electoral Area B, above Westside Road., have been ordered to leave their homes due to the White Rock Lake Fire

Based on a recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service, RDNO has issued an Evacuation ORDER for a portion of Electoral Area B above Westside Road. The Order applies to all of the properties south of and including Six Mile Creek Road to the boundary of the Regional District of Central Okanagan due to the White Rock Lake wildfire (#K61884).

The Evacuation ORDER previously issued for properties along Bouleau and Pinaus Lake remains in effect. The Evacuation ALERT for properties along Irish Creek Road in Electoral Area B remains in effect.

EVACUATION ORDER

Members of the local police department and other applicable agencies will be expediting the Evacuation Order. Evacuees will not have access to their houses while the Order is in place; therefore, bring your pets and important items with you.

Because of the immediate danger to life safety, the Evacuation ORDER includes the following areas:

Portion of Electoral Area ‘B’ in the Regional District of North Okanagan above Westside Road, north of the Regional District of Central Okanagan boundary, west of the Okanagan Indian Band IR#1, and south and west of Six Mile Creek road

Addresses:

464, 140 of Whiteman Creek Road
442, 503, 545, 550, 560, 651, 655, 659, 661, 730, 735, 801, 809, 878, 890, 901, 1001, 1070, 1075, 1135, 1195, 1221, 1250, 1470 of Six Mile Creek Road
485, 351, 425, 252, 631, 635 of Nashwito Road
17, 65 Cain Road
305, 311, 315, 79, 75 of Beau Park Road
59 Beatrice Road
10, 15, 50, 93 of Banks Road
278, 267, 225, 221, 235 of Siwash Creek Road

The Evacuation ORDER for 15 Seasonal Dwelling Units on Bouleau Lake Road, and 6376, 6382, 6386, 6396, 6392 on Pinaus Lake Forest Service Road remains in place.

IF YOU ARE IN THIS AREA, YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY.

What you should do:

· If you have a functioning, self-contained RV, and time permits, residents are encouraged to bring their RVs with them as accommodations are limited.

· Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.

· Close all windows and doors.

· Close gates (latch) – but do not lock.

· Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.

· Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than you have to.

· Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency services.

· Follow the evacuation route provided as follows:

o Travel east onto Westside road then head north to head of the lake.

o Continue east and south on highway 97 to Vernon. Register with Emergency Support Services at the Dogwood centre, Vernon recreation centre, 3310 37 Avenue, Vernon BC.

o Evacuees can also register online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

Important: leave the area before registering

The RDNO thanks the City of Vernon for their support in providing the space for the ESS reception, and also thanks the City of Armstrong and the Township of Spallumcheen for their collaboration and support.

EVACUATION ALERT

Because of the potential danger to life and health, in addition to the above Evacuation Order the existing Evacuation Alert for the following addresses remains in effect:

194, 304, 396, 398, 424, 570, 576, 580, 590, 610, 614, 620, 640, 644, 664, 668, 678, 749, 257, 259, 280, 300, 306 of Irish Creek Road

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises, property or recreational site within the mapped area should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

Please note: The attached map is not specific to any particular address within the evacuation alert boundary, but a general guideline. Any property in close proximity to the area should be prepared, and ready to evacuate during threatened times.

What you should do:

· Locate family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.

· Pack essential items such as government issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers, immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.

· Prepare to move persons with disabilities, children or neighbours, if assistance is needed.

· Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).

· Arrange transportation for all household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.

· Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.

· Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating.

· Monitor the news, radio and online sources for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres.

The White Rock Lake wildfire spans through the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Regional District of Central Okanagan, Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the Okanagan Indian Band, so please visit their websites for local information.

Further information will be issued as updates are received from the BC Wildfire Service. Residents are encouraged to visit www.rdno.ca, the RDNO Facebook page, and listen to local radio for more information.