Trepanier Forest Fire Update – News Release No. 6

posted by: Public Info. Officer   at Monday, September 10, 2012 6:30:00 AM

 

The Trepanier Forest Fire has been estimated at 200-hectares in size.

BC Wildfire Management crews and structural fire fighters from across the Central Okanagan have been monitoring the fire overnight.  They have been helped by cooler overnight temperatures, showers and low winds, although winds have been increasing over the past few hours.

A unified plan of attack for the day will be confirmed as daylight approaches to try and get containment on this fire.

RCMP and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue volunteers continue to staff checkpoints to ensure security within the Evacuation Area.  Until the Evacuation Order is rescinded, no one will be allowed within the area.

The fire forced approximately 1,550 people from their homes and an estimated 432 people in the downtown and waterfront areas of Peachland remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave their homes on little or short notice in the event an expanded evacuation is necessary.

The latest map showing the Evacuation area and Evacuation Alert area is available at www.cordemergency.ca.  Due to high volume please be patient as the map may take some time to load.

The Emergency Social Services Reception Centre for evacuated residents requiring assistance with food, lodging or clothing should register at the Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna.  This facility will be open again at 9:00 am.  The Reception Centre in Summerland closed at midnight and will not reopen.

Highway 97 remains open to two way traffic and Highway 97-C the Okanagan Connector is also open to traffic.  Check DriveBC.ca for the latest information and any changes in status.

 

New information and updates on the Evacuation Orders and Alerts will be available on the Regional District Emergency Program websitewww.cordemergency.ca  and updates will also be there and released to the media as soon as it becomes available. Media can contact (250) 469-8493 if needed. Public inquiries can be directed to 1-877-569-8490.