Update, September 2, 17:05 hrs - The RDNO has partially rescinded this evacuation order. Properties on Irish Creek Road, and within the RDNO, have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. The remaining properties on Evacuation Order are still on Evacuation Order.
Update, September 1, 9:44 hrs - This Evacuation Order remains in place and unchanged since it was issued on August 15. The RDNO's Evacuation Order applies to a section of Electoral Area "B" above Westside Road.
This fire spans the boundaries of multiple regional districts, municipalities, and the Okanagan Indian Band. The affected jurisdictions will issue evacuation Alerts and Orders on the recommendation of BC Wildfire Service. Information for areas outside of the RDNO Electoral Area boundaries can be found with the local area authority as follows:
- City of Vernon
- Columbia Shuswap Regional District
- Okanagan Indian Band
- Regional District of Central Okanagan
- Thompson-Nicola Regional District
The Wildfires of Note webpage for White Rock Lake wildfire is a good resource for residents to stay up to date.
Update, August 30, 09:38 hrs - This Evacuation Order REMAINS IN PLACE and unchanged since it was issued on August 15. This Order is based on the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service due to the White Rock Lake Wildfire.
Some of the other local authorities that are affected by this wildfire have issued changes to their Evacuation Alerts and Orders this afternoon, so the RDNO is clarifying that our Order remains in effect.
Issued August 15, 2021
Based upon recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has again expanded the Evacuation ORDER for a portion of Electoral Area B above Westside Road. The Order now includes properties located on the west side of Irish Creek Road and Beatrice Road due to the White Rock Lake wildfire (#K61884).
This Evacuation Order includes all 20 properties on the west side of Irish Creek Road and Beatrice Road, previously on Evacuation Alert and not within the Okanagan Indian Band IR#1.
Addresses include:
• 257, 259(aka 59 Beatrice Road), 280, 300, 304, 306, 396, 398, 424, 570, 576, 580, 590, 610, 614, 620, 640, 644, 664, 668, 678 of Irish Creek Road.
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. See Evacuation Order area map attached.
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 them as accommodations in the area 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, 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.
- Follow the evacuation route provided as follows:
- Travel north on Irish Creek Road, then east and south onto Hwy 97 to Vernon.
- If you are travelling south on Irish Creek Road, follow it to Westside Road, then east to Hwy 97 and south to Vernon.
- If you are travelling on Beatrice Road, head north to Irish Creek Road, then east and south to Westside Road, east to Hwy 97 and south to Vernon.
If you have been evacuated due to wildfires, we encourage you to register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) whether assistance is needed or not. This will help ensure your loved ones and communities know where you are and know that you are safe. Evacuees can register online. If you require assistance with self-registration, you can call the Provincial Emergency Support Services Info Line at 1-800-585-9559. Evacuees can also register in person at the ESS Reception Centre located at the Dogwood Gym, Vernon Recreation Centre located at 3310 37 Ave, Vernon.
If you are already registered as an evacuee with Emergency Support Services you do not need to re-register, but if you require assistance such as accommodation, food or clothing, you are required to go to the reception centre for these resources.
If you can stay with family or friends, but still require Emergency Support Services (i.e., grocery vouchers, etc.), please register online and complete the registration process by visiting the nearest reception centre to where you are staying. Reception centre locations and information can be found here or by calling 1-800-585-9559.
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. Please visit their websites for local information. The RDNO thanks the City of Vernon for their support in providing space for the ESS reception, and also thanks the City of Armstrong and the Township of Spallumcheen for their collaboration and support.
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.
