Due to the Boltres Creek Wildfire located between off Highway 97 and near the intersection of Kalamalka Lakeview Drive and Westridge Road, tactical evacuations of approximately 20 nearby properties is underway. The southbound right lane of Highway 97 is currently closed due to fire activity.
Properties located on Commonage Road from Rose’s Pond to the Allan Brookes Nature Centre are on evacuation order and are asked to prepare to be away from their properties for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.
Evacuees should attempt to find other temporary accommodation and, if you are insured, please contact your insurance company. If you need basic emergency support, you can report to the Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place, 3445 43rd Ave, Vernon. Evacuees with a BC Services Card App can also receive ESS supports by registering online at Emergency Support Services Self Registration.
What you should do:
- 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 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.
- Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.
- Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating. Monitor Vernon.ca/news for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres.
- Self-registration for Emergency Support Services: Emergency Support Services Self Registration
RCMP are assisting with evacuation. BC Wildfire, Vernon Fire Rescue Services, Lake Country and Kelowna Fire Departments are assisting with fire suppression.
Additional resources to Emergency Preparedness information can be found at Vernon.ca/boltrescreek. Vernon emergency information is also available on Facebook at facebook.com/CityofVernon.
Public safety and the safety of emergency response personnel are the primary concerns at this time.
New information will be released to the public and media as soon as it becomes available.
Emergency response personnel request that the public:
- Please only call 911 in case of emergency
- For the latest road closure information please visit www.drivebc.ca.
- For up-to-date information on the situation and to sign up for e-updates, visit Vernon.ca/boltrescreek.