Update - 9:13 PM - The Regional District of North Okanagan and the District of Coldstream issued a joint media release:
Evacuation Alert Rescinded for Properties on Clerke Road and in Electoral Area “B”
Based upon the recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of North Okanagan is RESCINDING the Evacuation Alert on properties in Electoral Area “B” on Kalamalka Lakeview Drive, Highridge Road, and one property on Highway 97. The District of Coldstream is also rescinding its Evacuation Alert for Clerke Road, Coldstream.
“Crews have worked tirelessly to achieve this result, and we sincerely thank them for working throughout the night and today to control such a fast-moving fire,” said Ashley Gregerson, RDNO EOC Information Officer.
The Alert was implemented due to a fast moving fire on the west side of Kalamalka Lake along Highway 97 that was first reported on Friday evening. Firefighters and emergency personnel worked throughout the night to contain the fire, and thanks to their hard work, no structure damage or injuries were reported.
To ensure you are prepared in the event of an emergency see: Get Prepared for a Wildfire in British Columbia - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca).
View the PDF of the Media Release
Update - 12:04 PM - The Alert is still in place as crews continue to work on fire. If you are within the Alert area, please ensure you have essential items packed in case an Evacuation Order is implemented. The RDNO will provide the next update at 3:00 PM.
Posted at 11:07 AM - At 2:14 AM on July 10, 2021, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) issued an Evacuation Alert to certain properties in Electoral Area “B” on Kalamalka Lakeview Drive, Highridge Road, and one property on Highway 97.
The RCMP informed residents of the Alert in the early morning hours by going door-to-door.
The Alert remains in effect, and means that there is still potential risk and residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
The following areas are included in this Alert:
- 202, 224, 238, (11-16) 245, 252, 265, 275, 280, 285, (1-7) 315 Kalamalka Lakeview Drive,
- 310, 341, 365, 387, 399, 411, 415, 417, 421, 425, 433 Highridge Road
- 324 Highway 97 of Electoral area B, RDNO
Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
As of 11:07 AM, July 10, 2021, an Evacuation Alert also remains in effect for Clerke Road. This Alert was issued and is managed by the District of Coldstream. More information is available on their website.
What you should do while on Evacuation Alert:
- Locate all 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 (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
- Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/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 your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles. If transportation assistance is needed, call 250 550 3299.
- Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.
- Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating. Monitor [news/radio/online source] for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres.
Further information will be issued at 12:00pm July 10, 2021, or visit RDNO website/or Facebook page for more information.
More information:
View the official Evacuation Alert Notice, issued at 2:14 AM
BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is the lead agency in response to the fire and is providing regular updates through its interactive wildfire map.