UPDATE: Evacuation alerts lifted in most of Vernon, along with Coldstream and RDNO Areas B and C, no structural loss found so far

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming says the reason is the change in the weather and fire risk.

“There is a significant calming of the fire on the west side [of Okanagan Lake]. The burning embers were a big concern last night. We got rainfall, we got a calming of the winds, we got a calming, slightly, of the fire on the west side, so that combination has enabled us to rescind, for most of the city, the evacuation alert,” Cumming told Vernon Matters.

Warmer weather is expected to return next week, and for that reason, it is strongly recommended that all residents maintain heightened awareness, and have evacuation plans in place, including identifying accommodation in advance of an Evacuation Order.

Vernon mayor Victor Cumming speaks with Pete McIntyre from Vernon Matters about the lifting of most of the city’s evacuation alert:

See more details in the City of Vernon news release below.

PARTIAL EVACUATION ALERT RESCINDED FOR THE CITY OF VERNON

Based on reduced fire activity and a change in weather conditions, including light rain in the area, the City of Vernon will be rescinding the current Evacuation Alert for properties within the City of Vernon boundaries, excluding Canadian Lakeview Estates in its entirety, Adventure Bay in its entirety and Tronson Road (from 8125 to 9280).

The City of Vernon works closely with B.C. Wildfire Services and seeks advice on Evacuation Alerts and Evacuation Orders. With changes to the current weather conditions, the probability of ember debris causing spot fires has been reduced.

While the weather forecast over the next 48 hours is favourable enough to rescind the alert for properties within the City of Vernon boundaries, the region remains at high risk and the situation is subject to rapid and immediate change.

The Evacuation Alert will remain in place for Canadian Lakeview Estates and Adventure Bay, in their entirety. As such, Tronson Road from Bella Vista Road to Canadian Lakeview Estates will be open for local traffic only during the Evacuation Alert.

It is strongly recommended that all residents maintain heightened awareness, and have evacuation plans in place, including identifying accommodation in advance of an Evacuation Order.

The City of Vernon is strongly urging all residents to plan and prepare. Residents must remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of evacuation. https://www.vernon.ca/activities-events/news-events/news-archive/resources-help-residents-be-better-prepared-emergency

The White Rock Lake Fire continues to present challenges and continues to show erratic and aggressive behaviour. BC Wildfire is calling the next 48 hours a period of relief but firmly states that the White Rock Lake fire still poses very serious challenges. The fire remains active and conditions could change depending on weather and wind conditions.

As for the lifting of the Coldstream and RDNO alert, properties rescinded include:

Electoral Area B east of Okanagan Lake – including those surrounding Swan Lake

Electoral Area C south of Spallumcheen, west of Forsberg Road (on Silver Star Road) to the southern boundary of Electoral Area C

District of Coldstream from the north boundary to the south boundary, the area west of Coldstream Valley Estates and Grey Road

Residents are reminded that although the Evacuation Alert has been removed, the province is still facing threat of wildfire in the area. People are encouraged to stay connected with up to date information and remain aware of current situations and weather conditions.

The Evacuation ORDER issued for properties in RDNO Electoral Area ‘B’ located on the west side of Okanagan Lake remains in effect.

There is good news to report on the White Rock Lake wildfire burning west of Vernon.

The change in the weather this morning, with showers and cooler temperatures, has calmed things down on the fire lines.

Vernon fire chief David Lind said the fire is still active and not under control, but the conditions are allowing for a reprieve.

“For the next 48 hours, maybe even 72, we can expect decreased fire activity, and certainly decreased risk from the embers that we were concerned about [Friday]. Yesterday’s conditions were just perfect for creating ember showers, and I’m sure many residents of Vernon noticed embers through the community, especially on Tronson Road and other areas,” Lind told Beach Radio and Vernon Matters.

Mayor Victor Cumming said the evacuation alert for the city will remain in place for the forseeable future, especially with warmer weather returning next week.

“We will be getting updates regularly from BC Wildfire and when we hear any change, we will get it out to the residents right away. But the messaging about being prepared, is one that people need to heed,” Cumming said.

Lind says BC Wildfire said this morning the fire is being held on most fronts.

“But it’s certainly not under control, and we’re not out of the woods,” the fire chief cautioned.

Listen to the compete interview with Vernon fire chief David Lind and Mayor Victor Cumming below.

by Pete McIntyre

UPDATE: Evacuation alerts lifted in most of Vernon, along with Coldstream and RDNO Areas B and C, no structural loss found so far

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