Update - August 25, 2021, 16:15 hrs
Based upon recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of North Okanagan is rescinding the Evacuation Alert for properties along a portion of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road (Lumby Mabel Lake Road) due to the Bunting Road fire.
Properties rescinded from the Evacuation Alert include:
3,300 – 17,000 block of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, aka Lumby Mabel Lake Road, including properties known as Cottonwoods
Residents are reminded that although the Evacuation Alert has been removed, the Province of British Columbia is still facing threat of wildfire in the area. We encourage you to stay connected with up to date information and remain aware of current situations and weather conditions.
Further information will be issued as updates are received from the BC Wildfire Service. RDNO residents are encouraged to visit www.rdno.ca, and the RDNO Facebook page for more information. A detailed map of all Evacuation Alerts and Orders in the area can be found at EmergencyMapBC.
Update - August 23, 16:15 hrs
The Evacuation Order issued for a portion of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road (Lumby Mabel Lake Road) due to the Bunting Road fire has now been rescinded and downgraded to Alert status.
The Evacuation Alert previously issued for the 3,300 – 6,000 block of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road remains in place. Residents must remain ready to leave their homes on short notice should fire conditions change. The Evacuation Alert area now includes:
3,300 – 17,000 block of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, aka Lumby Mabel Lake Road, including properties known as Cottonwoods
An Evacuation Order may need to be re-issued and, if deemed necessary, the Evacuation Order process will re-commence. To ensure a safe homecoming to properties remaining on Evacuation Alert, residents should consider the following while preparing to return to their homes:
- Walk around the perimeter checking for electrical wires, the smell of gas or hanging debris
- Enter your home with caution and check that the main power breaker is off
- Do not use your sewage disposal system unless you know it is capable of handling waste
- Refrigerated food - discard refrigerated food that has spoiled, as well as food that has been stored in a refrigerator that has lost power. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Frozen food - discard frozen food that has thawed. If your freezer has been exposed to fire, or has been without power for more than 3 days, toss the contents entirely.
- Canned food – canned goods should be safe, unless the can has bulged, rusted or is badly dented. Wash and disinfect all cans exposed to smoke. Food stored in glass jars and exposed to heat should be thrown out.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help for mental or psychological recovery. The BC Mental Health Support Line is open 24 hours a day at 310-6789 (no area code).
- If loss of property has been identified, call your insurance representative to start your claim.
Further information will be issued as updates are received from the BC Wildfire Service. RDNO residents are encouraged to visit www.rdno.ca, and the RDNO Facebook page for more information. A detailed map of all Evacuation Alerts and Orders in the area can be found at EmergencyMapBC.
Issued on July 26, 2021
Based upon recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has extended the state of local emergency, and has expanded the Evacuation Order currently in place due to the Bunting Road wildfire on the east side of Mabel Lake (#K41561). In addition to expanding the current Evacuation Order, the RDNO has issued an Evacuation Alert for the area as well.
EVACUATION ORDER
Members of the local police department and other applicable agencies will be expediting the Evacuation Order. The RDNO does not expect that the Evacuation Order will be lifted in the short term, and evacuees will not have access to their houses while the order is in place, therefore bring your pets and important items with you. See Evacuation Order/Alert area map below.
Because of the immediate danger to life safety, the Evacuation Order includes the following areas:
ORIGINAL AREA - 10,000 block -17,000 block of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, aka Lumby Mabel Lake Road, including properties known as Cottonwoods.
NEW AREA – 6,000 block – 17,000 block of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, aka Lumby Mabel Lake Road, including Cottonwoods and Cascade Beach Recreation Site.
IF YOU ARE IN THIS AREA, YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
- 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 then you have to.
- Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency services
- Follow the evacuation route provided as follows:
- Travel south on Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, aka Lumby Mabel Lake Road to the Village of Lumby (approximately 50 km).
- Turn west towards Vernon on Highway 6 to Coldstream (Vernon) (approx. 20 km)
- Once you are evacuated, register as an evacuee online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca
EVACUATION ALERT
Because of the potential danger to life and health, in addition to the above Evacuation Order the RDNO has issued an Evacuation Alert for the following areas:
3,300 block – 6,000 block Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, aka Lumby Mabel Lake Road
Addresses include: 3221, 3325, 3331, 3496, 3498, 3502, 3506, 3500, 3600, 3810, 3862, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4000, 4000, 3422, 3211, 3638, 3546, 3558, 3552, 3548, 3538, 3562, 3620, 3614, 3610, 3598, 3602, 3608, 3594, 3580, 3580, 3572, 3568, 3542, 3540, 3526, 3512, 3510, 3504, 3486, 3480, 3405, 3372, 3211 of Lumby Mabel Lake 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. See map of Evacuation Order/Alert area below.
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.
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.
