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View of the White Rock Lake wildfire from the Okanagan Indian Band Reserve (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters Staff)
Assessing Affected Properties

Structural assessments in evacuated areas takes time: RDNO

Aug 20, 2021 | 11:39 AM

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is asking people to be patient is getting information about their evacuated properties as the wildfire is still active.

The RDNO’s Emergency Operations Centre has been experiencing high call volumes as people seek updates on the conditions of their properties.

“We empathize with what residents are going through at this time and understand the desire for immediate answers and access to their properties,” said David Sewell, Director of the RDNO Emergency Operations Centre.

However, as the fire near Electoral Area B above Westside Road is still active, this makes getting in and assessing the properties very difficult.

The RDNO said the focus is currently on supporting the B.C. Wildfire Service and other first responders in addressing the fire.

Structure assessments and reporting will be done once the risk of further losses has subsided and the area is safe to access.

The RDNO also acknowledges that the stress level for evacuees has been rising in the past days, but does ask that people avoid abusive or offensive language when dealing with local authorities and responding organizations.

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