UPDATE: More properties added to evacuation alert for growing Okanagan wildfire
UPDATE: 4:05 p.m.
The BC Wildfire Service said the latest fire size estimate is 763 hectares, up from the 445 ha. earlier today.
More properties added to evacuation alert for Okanagan wildfire
12:30 p.m.
Sept. 18, 2023
More properties have been put on evacuation alert due to an expected increase in fire behaviour on the Glen Lake fire west of Peachland.
Central Okanagan emergency officials say the alert coverage now includes all areas east of the Brenda Forest Service Road starting at the 1.5 kilometre marker on the Forest Service Road to Brenda Mines Road, all areas abutting the Peachland Forest Service Road between Brenda Mines Road and the Glen Lake Forest Service Road, and extending south to the boundary between the Regional District of Central Okanagan and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen as well as the following properties: 4900 Brenda Mines Road, 5875 Brenda Mines Road and Greata Creek Camp.
The evacuation order has not been expanded, and is shown below.
- Six recreational properties on Glen Lake Forest Service Road, including 5503 Glen Lake Forest Service Road
- Two recreational properties at the 15/16 km mark of Glen Lake Forest Service Road
The BC Wildfire Service estimates the fire is 445 hectares, and is classified as out of control.
The increase in fire behaviour on Monday is expected to be weather-related.
UPDATE:
As of Sunday night, the fire size had grown to 445 hectares.
Evacuations issued for new Okanagan wildfire. story
Sept. 17, 2023
Evacuation orders have been issued due to a new wildfire in the Central Okanagan.
The Glen Lake fire is estimated at 100 hectares in size, and is burning about 15 km west of Peachland.
“The fire is classified as out of control. Fire behavior observed today is between Rank 3 to 5 (moderately vigorous surface fire to extremely vigorous surface fire or active crown fire). Smoke may be highly visible to the surrounding communities and travelers along Highway 97C,” the BC Wildfire Service said at 2:45 p.m. Sunday.
The fire is believed to be human caused.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to support Wildfire Service crews fighting the fire.
An evacuation order has been issued for recreational properties accessed off Glen Lake Forest Service Road, including:
- Six recreational properties on Glen Lake Forest Service Road, including 5503 Glen Lake Forest Service Road
- Two recreational properties at the 15/16 km mark of Glen Lake Forest Service Road
People on evacuation order should leave their properties immediately.
In addition, an evacuation alert has been issued for all areas south of Peachland Forest Service Road from the 5 km marker past the Brenda Forest Service Road to the boundary between the Regional District of Central Okanagan and the Regional District of South Okanagan. While the area is mostly crown land mainly used for recreation, anyone entering the alert zone must be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
The Grouse complex will be taking over the management of the Glen Lake wildfire (K53294) today. The wildfire is estimated at 100 hectares in size and is located approximately 15 kilometres west of the District of #Peachland. #BCWildfire pic.twitter.com/eIbjhZYIpi
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 17, 2023
An interactive map showing affected properties is available at [cordemergency.ca]cordemergency.ca.
All other properties on evacuation alert and order in the Central Okanagan remain in place.
For up-to-date information on the situation, including a map, and to sign up for e-updates, visit cordemergency.ca
- Information will also be provided via twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDEmergency
- A public information line is available at 250-469-8490 (local) or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free)