(Photo credit: BC Wildfire Service)

By Pete McIntyre

White Rock Lake Fire

Okanagan Indian Band expands fire evacuation order

Aug 4, 2021 | 8:35 PM

More residents on the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) are being ordered to leave their homes due to the White Rock Lake wildfire northwest of Vernon.

The OKIB band and council issued an evacuation order at 8 p.m. Wednesday due to “immediate danger to life safety” caused by the fire which at last report was showing aggressive behaviour today, and burning 8.5 kilometres west of Westside Road.

Addresses previously ordered to evacuate continue to be on evacuation order. The evacuation order area is now being expanded as per schedule 1.

Members of the RCMP, Search and Rescue and other applicable agencies will be expediting this action.

The Evacuation Order is being expanded into the following areas (schedule 1):

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Addresses located between 11497 Smith Cres. (north end) and 11071 Westside Rd./Mud Hole Rd. (south end), westward to the Reserve boundary.

Please refer to the attached map for the full boundaries of the Evacuation Order area.

Schedule 1: Streets included in the Evacuation Order area

(Image credit: OKIB)

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Follow the travel route provided and register at:

o Head of the Lake Hall, 118 Head of the Lake Rd. Vernon, BC

• If you do not require immediate support, you can register in the coming days or online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ , other ESS inquiries can be directed to 250-241-6945

· If you need transportation assistance from the area, advise the OKIB EOC at 250-306-8477

· 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 neighbor 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 with food and water. If you left pets or livestock behind or have brought your pets with you and need pet-friendly accommodations, please visit the ESS Reception Centre to register for support.

· Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

ASSEMBLY POINTS:

If you require transportation, the following Assembly Points have been established as pick-up areas. Please call 250-306-8477 to confirm that you require transportation.

• Westside Rd. and Bonneau Rd.

• Westside Rd. and Six Mile Creek Rd.

Further information will be issued when available. For the most up to date information visit Facebook: OKIB Official and OKIB Public pages, or www.okib.ca for more information.