UPDATE: 11:10 a.m.
The Quilpituk Creek fire continues to grow rapidly after being discovered on Aug. 1.
Two days later, the fire is an estimated 550 hectares in size according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), who suspect the out-of-control blaze was human caused.
BCWS has increased its response to the fire, deploying 12 firefighters, heavy equipment teams and a structure protection unit. Ariel units are also supporting firefighting efforts, and BCWS is telling the public to stay clear of the aircraft when they are operating around and collecting water from Okanagan Lake.
“If firefighting aircraft are nearby, clear the area immediately and stay near the shore to avoid interfering with operations and to prevent putting responder and public life and safety at risk,” BCWS said.
Growth of the fire is occurring to the Northwest and is being driven by the slope of the area. The blaze shows Rank 2 fire behaviour, which means it’s a low vigour surface fire with a slow rate of spread according to the BCWS.
Along the west flank of the fire BCWS crews have completed a sprinkler line set up along the powerline. On Aug. 3 crews are continuing to establish hoselay for water delivery to the fire’s edge and conducting danger tree assessments and falling as they work their way around the fire perimeter.
“Crews are working around the north and east flanks and are being supported by helicopters. Heavy equipment has been established across the west flank of the fire to support crews with building guard and increasing access.”
Original
Increased fire activity has expanded an evacuation order to Caesars Landing off Westside Road.
The area was previously on evacuation alert due to the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, which is 200 hectares. The evacuation order was issued at 5:40 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3.
Residents should leave their properties immediately to keep safe. The evacuation route is south on Westside Road. Follow instructions of emergency personnel and traffic control in the area.
The order includes Caesars Landing as well as 5455 and 5495 Deighton Road, 5000 Westside Road North and Bald Range Road.
With the Quilpituk Creek and Bradley Creek wildfires burning to the north and south of this region, evacuations are currently underway to assure safe passage through the fire area.
At this time, no structures are immediately threatened.
Westside Road from 5000 Westside Road is restricted to emergency vehicles and those needing to evacuate.
Instructions for evacuees:
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation.
• Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
People needing support during an evacuation are encouraged to create a profile online at ESS.gov.bc.ca. People who have created a profile can log into the online self-service registration tool to receive instructions on the types of support available and how they can be accessed. Once online registration is complete, there is no need to go to the reception/muster centre.
For in-person support, people who cannot meet their own needs during evacuation should report to the reception/muster centre for assistance and lodging. An ESS reception/muster centre is at Westbank Lions Community Centre located at 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna. It will open at 9 a.m. this morning. ESS volunteers are available to help affected residents connect to supports like food, clothing and other essentials.
Evacuees are asked to arrange accommodation with family or friends where possible, as there is currently no available accommodation in the Central Okanagan.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
• Avoid the area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
• Only call 911 in case of emergency
• Call the public information line at 250-469-8490 (local) or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free) for information
• For up-to-date information on the situation, including a map, and to sign up for emergency notifications, visit coemergency.ca
To determine if you are in the evacuation area, view the detailed map showing affected properties at coemergency.ca/map.