Pursuant to the Emergency Program Act, an Evacuation ALERT has been issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) due to the Garrison Lake wildfire (K62088).

The Evacuation Alert is in effect for the range area between the communities of Kennedy Lake and Eastgate.

An Evacuation Alert prepares residents to evacuate the area should an Evacuation Order be issued.

Proactive measures to prepare for an Evacuation Order are strongly advised. Information on responsibility during an alert are included in this notice.

• All evacuees should 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
• Due to a shortage of hotel accommodations, please consider making arrangements to stay with family or friends if possible. Take pets with you if you can.
• For ESS information, please call: 250-486-1890
• If you have pets or livestock that need to be cared for and billeted, please contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) for support: 250-809-7152
• Visit the RDOS EOC website for resource links and information updates: https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca/resources/ 

Please note, important information is listed below for commercial owners relocating their livestock and anyone providing shelter or transport for relocated livestock.

Important information for commercial owners relocating their livestock and those providing shelter or transport for relocated livestock.

General Information

• Livestock owners are ultimately responsible for animals under their control.
• Emergency Management BC (EMBC) has a livestock policy to support commercial livestock that are part of a commercial farm/ranch business.
• EMBC livestock relocation policy acknowledges the importance of farm businesses in BC and as such allows for the relocation of livestock for eligible farm businesses; during an evacuation alert or an evacuation order.  It also allows for financial support for certain eligible portions of relocation costs; intended to offset extraordinary costs of relocation but may not cover them completely.
• Recognizing that it can take time to gather and move cattle; commercial livestock relocation for farm businesses at risk can begin at the alert stage.
• Livestock Relocation Policy allows for 96 hours (4 days) of coverage after “Evacuation Rescind” or “All Clear” to return animals home. Any housing/feed or transport costs incurred after this time area not an eligible expense.
• Caps exist for the financial support of both transportation and feed/housing costs.  These represent the maximum of the eligible portion for support under the policy; it is recognized that depending on circumstances actual costs may either:

1)  be less than the caps, in which case they may be fully eligible or,

2)  exceed the caps, in which case the livestock owner is responsible for the difference. 

For Commercial Livestock Owners

• If you are able to respond to an emergency within your own capacity you should do so, this may be the most efficient and flexible option for you and your farm business. 
• If you need assistance under the EMBC Livestock Policy, you must contact the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen’s Emergency Operation Center (RDOS EOC) at 250-490-4225 and request it; a written submission will be required and your situation will be assessed for eligibility.
• Only transportation or feed/lodging services, provided by a third party service provider to a commercial farm business for commercial livestock will be considered; efforts undertaken by a farm business for their own livestock are considered part of their own operations and are not eligible.
• You are responsible to help secure transport and safe locations for your relocated animals, if you encounter difficulty with this please contact the EOC, they may be able to assist.
• You are responsible to keep the EOC apprised of information related to your relocation including, where possible, updated/alternate contact information for you if you have had to leave your home.
• You are responsible for any costs which exceed or are otherwise not addressed through the established rates.

For Those Providing Services

• Those providing shelter or transportation for livestock are eligible to invoice the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen EOC for this service, up to the approved rates, provided the livestock owner has been approved for assistance under the livestock relocation policy.  If the owner has not been approved for assistance, the service provider cannot invoice.
• The per head, per day rate for feed and housing is ‘all in’ or all-inclusive and must include any costs related to feed and housing of animals including but not limited to:
  • Procurement of extra feed/water - including transport to feeding site
  • Yardage – including but not limited to; labour, electricity, tractor or equipment costs 
  • Any special provisions for housing, feed and water

• Additional costs are the responsibility of the livestock owner, examples include:
  • Feed/housing above the daily approved rates
  • Veterinary or other non-feed/housing costs

• Service providers can only seek remuneration for the eligible services provided.  If the service provider wants to pursue reimbursement for additional costs they may discuss with the livestock owner but the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen EOC can only provide remuneration for eligible, pre-approved costs.

How to Invoice

• Service provider submits an invoice to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen EOC and references the service (Transportation and/or Feed and Housing) and the owner of the relocated animals.  Invoice should clearly state the Expenditure Authorization Number which is assigned by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen EOC Finance or Director section (EOC approval of producer’s Form 530).

• Per head, per day costs must be assessed and summarized for total animal numbers and days.  If service provider rates are less than the cap they will be fully eligible.  If service provider rates are greater than the cap only a portion will be eligible - balance should be invoiced to the livestock owner.

• Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre EOC Finance will assess submitted invoices against approved livestock relocation requests prior to approval.