RDNO lifts final evacuation order for Bouleau Lake and Pinaus Lake

Sep 9, 2021 | 12:47 PM

All properties within the Regional District of North Okanagan that were affected by the White Rock lake wildfire, have now been given the ‘all clear.’

The evacuation order issued for the seasonal properties on Bouleau Lake and Pinaus Lake was rescinded at 11:30 this morning (Sept. 9). Property owners/licence holders can travel to their properties now to begin assessing damage.

(Image credit: RDNO)

RDNO said the Bouleau Lake Forest Service Road has been deactivated around the KM 11 mark by the Ministry of Forests due to significant wildfire damage, however, the BC Wildfire Service has confirmed that other forest service roads (FSR) in the area have been assessed and are passable.

“FSRs that are deemed unsafe have been deactivated or closed. Please make sure that your vehicle is capable of driving on forest service roads and exercise caution,” RDNO stated.

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The RDNO said it conducted external visual assessments in areas of Electoral Area “B” that have primary residences.

“Our visual assessments allow people whose primary home has become unliveable due to wildfire to access emergency support services (ESS) for an extended period of time. Secondary/vacation homes are not eligible for ESS, so the RDNO did not conduct visual assessments at Bouleau or Pinaus Lake,” said Ashley Gregerson, emergency operations centre (EOC) information officer for RDNO.

The RDNO’s EOC is switching its focus to assisting residents through the recovery phase.

“The RDNO has contracted a Recovery and Resiliency specialist to help residents find information and programs to navigate through the recovery phase. If you would like to access this assistance, please email eoc@rdno.ca with your name, number, and address,” Gregerson explained.

What to do when returning to your property

Walk around the perimeter checking for electrical wires, the smell of gas or hanging debris
Enter structures with caution and check that the main power breaker is off
Do not use your sewage disposal system unless you know it is capable of handling waste
Discard refrigerated food that has spoiled, as well as food that has been stored in a refrigerator that has lost power. When in doubt, throw it out.
Discard frozen food that has thawed. If your freezer has been exposed to fire or has been without power for more than three days, toss the contents entirely.
Canned goods should be safe unless the can has bulged, rusted or is badly dented. Wash and disinfect all cans exposed to smoke. Food stored in glass jars and exposed to heat should be thrown out.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help for mental or psychological recovery. The BC Mental Health Support Line is open 24 hours a day at 310-6789 (no area code).

If loss of property has been identified, call your insurance representative to start your claim.

A list of wildfire recovery and supports can be found at emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/wildfire-recovery/.

by Pete McIntyre

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