INFORMATION RELEASE      

As of today, Highway 97 is open on a limited basis. Please note:

• Traffic will be permitted only from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.
• This is a through route only.
• No stopping or exiting the highway at any time.
• Speed reduction in place; expect workers on or adjacent to the roadway.
• Please respect all traffic control instructions.
• Avoid arriving before opening time.

This remains an active wildfire area, and conditions are subject to change with little or no warning.

The Evacuation Order area is not safe. EOC teams are working on re-entry pre-planning.

• There is no timeline for re-entry. Reminder that many essential services need to be in place before any re-entry can be considered, such as utilities, power, waste disposal, roads and safety considerations.
• Continue to visit the rdos.bc.ca website for announcements.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) centres are open and ready to support evacuees at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre as well as locations in West Kelowna and Chilliwack.

• Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power Street, Penticton (9:00 am to 6:00 pm)
• Westbank Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna 
• Chilliwack Reception Centre, 44680 Scheyey Rd, Chilliwack (10:00 am – 6:00 pm) 

The Comfort Centre is available at Princess Margaret Secondary School, 120 Green Avenue West. Daily, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm. Amenities include washrooms, showers, seating, water, light snacks, an air-conditioned space and recreation areas.

Sign up for Voyent Alert!

Register to Voyent Alert! emergency notifications from the RDOS via email, text, or phone. https://www.rdos.bc.ca/newsandevents/notifications/

 If you do not have the ability to access Voyent Alert! at this time, please call the RDOS information line at 250-490-4225 so we can directly connect with you when we have information on re-entry to your property.  

 The updates below remain unchanged:

• Rapid Damage Assessments continue as it is safe to do so.
• BC Wildfire Service is expecting winds to pick up and the possibility of thunderstorms, which may create unstable winds that could potentially increase fire behaviour. For the latest on the current wildfire situation, please visit BCWildfire.ca.  
• Please note that each local government and First Nation is responsible for issuing its own Evacuation Orders and Alerts. To find accurate information about the entire Alert and Order Area, please see the BC Wildfire Service Mapping Dashboard and turn on the Evacuation Alert and Orders map layer: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
• Temporary Access Permits are in high demand. Applicants must have a valid reason to re-enter. Each request is reviewed case-by-case based on safety and individual circumstances. Apply online at https://mymaps.rdos.bc.ca/tap.
• Applying for an access permit does not guarantee approval.
• Do not wait at a checkpoint. Anyone without an approved permit will be turned around. Reapplying will not speed up your request. 

• Stay informed. If you are a resident under an Evacuation Alert or Order, please click here to register for routine and emergency notifications from the RDOS via email, text, or phone through Voyent Alert!.  

• For the latest on the current wildfire situation, please visit the Bald Range Fire Dashboard at BCWildfire.ca.  

 Statistics

• Current number of RDOS properties on Evacuation Order (451), Evacuation Alert (1,073)
• The entire District of Summerland is on Evacuation Order (5,688 properties) 
• Current number of PIB properties on Evacuation Order (38), Evacuation Alert (1,082) 

 Follow official resources for updates, including: 

1. District of Summerland updates
2. City of Penticton updates 
3. Regional District of Central Okanagan updates 

• Click here to view RDOS Hot Topics for the latest Information Release. 
• Click here for support resources.
• Click here to view live updates from the RDOS YouTube page. 

 Residents under an Evacuation Order should register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) even if they don’t require specific supports. BC Evacuee Helpline: 1-800-387-4258 

 For more information on highways and roads, please visit DriveBC.ca.  

 For further information, please visit rdos.bc.ca or call the RDOS EOC at 250-490-4225.  

 Important resources 

To report a wildfire: 1-888-663-5555 or *5555 on a mobile phone.  

The official BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) app is available for free download in the App Store and Google Play. The app provides up-to-date information on your mobile phone, helping you stay informed about wildfires and wildfire-related events and conditions across B.C.  

For information on highways and roads, please visit DriveBC.ca. 

For information on pets and livestock supports, contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT)  info@alert.com, 250-328-4748

For information on wildfire smoke, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control's website at bccdc.ca. 

Wildfire season can be a challenging time for the community. For further information and mental health support, please visit Interior Health’s web page specific to mental health during wildfire season or call the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789, available 24/7. 

In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

Issued by EOC Director