The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has issued an evacuation order for 77 properties and an evacuation alert for 600 properties in Electoral Area “D” due to the Thomas Creek wildfire which sprung to life on Sunday, July 11.
A State of Local Emergency has also been issued for this area.
The fire is located 1.5 kilometers east of Skaha Lake. The approximate size was at 20 hectares on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and has grown now to 500 hectares. It is currently classified as out of control.
The BC Wildfire Services team responded last night with eight personnel, two helicopters and multiple pieces of heavy equipment. Crews continued to be on the scene to manage the incident overnight and continue to fight the fire today.
“This fire is still very volatile, it is still declared out of control,” said RDOS CAO Bill Newell. “BC Wildfire has recommenced their aerial attack; today they’re also going to be working on ground attack, trying to establish a fire line in between where the fire currently is and more populated areas.”
Newell also advises residents to stay away from the area as roads are currently closed. “It’s a hindrance to BC Wildfire both for their aerial attack and the ground attack if they have to worry about civilians in the area,” he added.
The State of Local Emergency remains in force until July 17 at midnight unless revoked by order of Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen or the Minister responsible.
RDOS is asking for all evacuees to register online with the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool even if they do not require services.
If you have any questions please contact the RDOS EOC number: (250)-490-4225
