UPDATE: 3:08 p.m.
With the Bradley Creek wildfire still burning west of Vernon, the Regional District of the North Okanagan is issuing an expanded evacuation alert.
The following properties in Electoral Area “B” are now under the expanded evacuation alert:
- 17 and 65 Cain Road
- 131, 252, 351, 425, 485, 631, 635 Nashwito Road
- 10, 15, 50, 93 Banks Road
- 79, 305, 311, 315, 464 Beau Park Road
Certain properties on Siwash Creek Road, Beatrice Road and Six Mile Creek Road remain under evacuation alert.
Properties on the West side of Irish Creek Road are under evacuation orders.
“The Evacuation Alert has been expanded due to concerns regarding available egress routes as two active wildfires continue to impact the Westside Road area. Expanding the alert provides residents with additional time to prepare should evacuation become necessary. Maintaining safe evacuation options remains a priority, and emergency crews are actively working to protect transportation corridors and keep evacuation routes open, clear, and accessible for residents and emergency responders,” the Regional District of the North Okanagan said.
An interactive map of evacuation alerts and orders can be found here.
The Bradley Creek wildfire is still listed at 2,603 hectares in size.
UPDATE: 1:14 p.m.
Vernon is reporting that there is no fire activity related to the Bradley Creek wildfire within city limits.
Still, crews from Vernon Fire Rescue Service are patrolling high-risk areas, looking for spot fires. Some additional crews have also been deployed to support wildfire fighting efforts in the community of Spallumcheen, which has been issued evacuation alerts and orders.
The Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place is open to assist residents displaced by the Bradley Creek Wildfire.
Evacuees who require support with basic needs, such as shelter and food, can register for ESS in one of three ways:
- Visit the ESS Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place, 3445 43rd Avenue, Vernon
- Call the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258 – Monday to Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (including statutory holidays)
- Complete Self-Service Registration online at ess.gov.bc.ca
Residents are reminded that Westside Road and Highway 97 near Vernon are still closed, and are asking residents to keep those routes clear for emergency responders.
Boaters are similarly asked to stay clear of firefighting operations – including aircraft – on Okanagan Lake.
UPDATE: 10:48 a.m.
Evacuation orders and alerts remain the same in the Township of Spallumcheen.
Residents can view this map to see areas under evacuation orders and alerts.
The township asked residents to not enter evacuation zones as work continues to address hazards.
“Several hazards in the area such as downed power lines and unstable trees. Access and egress for fire equipment is critical. Please ensure you are not impeding their ability to move.”
Original
As the Bradley Creek wildfire continues to burn on Sunday morning (Aug. 2), it is now estimated to be 2,603 hectares in size.
Additionally, all evacuation orders and alerts remain in place.
These orders and alerts have been issued by multiple organizations including the Okanagan Indian Band, Regional District of North Okanagan, The Corporation of the Township of Spallumcheen, Splatsin Kukpi7 & Tkwamipla, Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the City of Armstrong. In total, there are four evacuation orders and five alerts.
Orders mean the residents must leave immediately, while alerts mean affected residents must be ready at a moment’s notice to leave.
Evacuees of the Bradley Creek wildfire can be supported through Emergency Support Service (ESS).
“Evacuees can register for Emergency Support Services by calling the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258. The helpline is currently open until 9 p.m. to support people affected by wildfires. The Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place, 3445 43rd Avenue, Vernon, remains open to provide registration support, information, resources and referrals for evacuees who require in-person assistance,” the City of Vernon said in an email to Black Press.
“Evacuees who need Emergency Support Services are strongly encouraged to register by phone if they are able to do so, rather than attending the Reception Centre in person. Registering by phone will help reduce wait times and allow ESS volunteers to support those who need in-person assistance most urgently.”
The City said the reception centre will stay open “as long as possible” but did not remain open overnight. The reception centre will reopen this morning.
Evacuees are encouraged to stay with friends or family overnight. The City is encouraging residents to sign up for emergency notifications app Alertable.
Due to the Bradley Creek, Quilpituk Creek, and Blue Grouse Creek wildfires, the entirety of Westside Road is closed. In Vernon, Highway 97 is also closed from the Highway 97A junction to Salmon River Road.
BC Wildfire Service has been assisting the Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department with the blaze. Crews remained on-site overnight to conduct patrols for structure protection and structure defence.
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On Saturday night, as the fire was moving north, it jumped Highway 97, causing the blaze to extend.
The fire was discovered late on Friday, July 31.
Black Press Media will update this wildfire throughout the day.