Last updated: Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 1 p.m.

As the Inkameep Creek wildfire continues to remain in “out of control” status, a number of areas are under evacuation order and evacuation alert. 

Evacuation Order means that you must leave the area immediately and follow the safest route possible as advised by emergency personnel. Evacuation Alert, on the other hand, prepares residents to evacuate the area immediately should an Evacuation Order be issued. 

All evacuees are asked to register online with the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool even if you do not require referrals such as housing or other services: ess.gov.bc.ca

A reception centre has been set up at the Oliver Legion Hall for evacuees. Grand Forks has also set up a reception centre at Jack Goddard Memorial Arena at 2020 Central Avenue, Grand Forks. 

Osoyoos Indian Band 

The Osoyoos Indian Band has declared a state of emergency. An Evacuation Order has been issued and remains in place for numerous properties by the Osoyoos Indian Band, as well as 21 properties on Evacuation Alert.

The following areas are currently on Evacuation Order as of Wednesday (July 21) night: 

  • The Residences, at 2000 Valleyview Drive
  • 600 Rancher Creek Road
  • Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, 1000 Rancher Creek Road
  • Spirit Ridge Resort, 1200 Rancher Creek Road
  • Sonora Dunes Golf Course, 1300 Rancher Creek Road
  • Nk’Mip Winery, 1400 Rancher Creek Road

The Nk’Mip Campground and Spirit Ridge resort, that were on Evacuation Order earlier this week, have rescinded to Evacuation Alert.  

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has declared a state of emergency that will remain in effect until July 26, 2021. 

An Evacuation Order has been issued and remains for numerous properties in electoral area “C” and “A.” Additionally, an evacuation alert has been issued for other properties in these two areas.

Additionally, all properties south of Highway 3 on Anarchist Mountain have also been issued an Evacuation Order.

Evacuation alert and evacuation order map for RDOS Area “C”

Town of Osoyoos

The Town of Osoyoos declared a state of emergency that will remain in order until July 27, 2021. 

An evacuation alert was issued and remains for all properties north of Highway 3 and east of Cottonwood Drive and West of 45th Street. 

Evacuation alert map for the Town of Osoyoos.

Town of Oliver

The Town of Oliver has also declared a state of emergency and is actively assessing the situation with the RDOS currently. A few properties in Oliver are on evacuation alert at the moment. 

 

 

Evacuation alert map for Town of Oliver

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has issued an Evacuation Order for 122 properties. An additional 304 properties in the area are on Evacuation Alert.

Evacuation map for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.

What to do during an Evacuation Order 

  • You must leave the area immediately.
  • Follow the directions of emergency responders and travel the designated or safest route available.
  • Register as an evacuee at the designated Reception Centre.
  • If you need transportation assistance from the evacuation, area contact the RDOS EOC.
  • If you identify as having extraordinary needs, please contact the RDOS EOC for assistance.
  • Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Please store your Firearms in accordance with Section 118 of the Firearms Act.
  • Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
  • Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbor or someone needing transportation.  • Do not use more vehicles then you have to. 
  • Take critical items only if they are immediately available: government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents.
  • Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
  • Pet owners and hobby farmers with concerns for their animals should make arrangements when an Evacuation Alert is issued.

What to do during an Evacuation Alert

  • Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
  • Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
  • Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
  • Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
  • Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles. If transportation assistance is needed, call 250.498.7752.
  • Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.
  • Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating. Monitor www.osoyoos.ca for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres