Structural protection personnel lay out forestry hoses at one residence on Old Golf Course Road this afternoon due to aggressive fire behaviour in the hills above Fairview. Twenty-seven properties have been give evacuation orders. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
Twenty-seven properties along Fairview Road, Old Golf Course Road and Willowbrook Road have been given evacuation orders as the Testalinden Creek fire grows northward.
These homes were placed on evacuation alert last night.
The Oliver Fire Department is on standby and has been tasked with filling portable water tanks in the area.
Fire officials have been notifying affected homeowners regarding the evacuation order as smoke continues to billow in the hills above them.
Fire information officer Heather Rice told the Chronicle that the fire has moved into the Reed Creek area above Fairview. She noted the fire is still a good distance from the nearest home. But with the wind the fire can start “spotting ahead of itself,” she said, hence the evacuation order.
Rice said some structural protection units (groups of firefighters) have been assessing nearby homes to determine what protection is needed ahead of time. At one residence on Old Golf Course Road, they were laying out forestry hoses and sprinkler systems.
An emergency support service reception centre has been activated at the Oliver Community Centre for evacuees. The centre can be contacted by phone at 250-809-8430. All property owners and residents affected by this order should register with the reception centre.
The evacuation order does not affect homes that were evacuated due to the Wilson Mountain fire earlier this month.
The number of homes or properties remaining under evacuation alert due to the Testalinden Creek wildfire is now 273.
The regional district would like residents within the remaining evacuation alert area to be prepared to evacuate if required. Residents should be prepared by:
• Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a reception centre outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
• Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e.
insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes
(photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
• Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
• Making arrangements to move pets and livestock to a safe area. Call the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team CDART at 250-809-7150 for assistance.
• Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, reception centres will be opened if required.
• Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of reception centres.
