UPDATE Thursday 10 a.m.: The Apex Mountain fire has grown to 186 hectares but is now 50 per cent contained. The evacuation alert is still in place.
UPDATE: The wildfire has spread to just over 100 hectares but the threat to the public hasn’t changed. The evacuation alert remains in place for 13 properties.
APEX MOUNTAIN — An Evacuation Alert is now in place near Apex Mountain after a wildfire broke out late Tuesday afternoon.
The alert was issued “because of the potential danger to life and health,” according to the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS).
It affects 13 properties, six in the direct line of fire.
Fire officials say the blaze has doubled in size since Tuesday night, growing to 60 hectares. They believe the fire is human caused.
The RDOS issued the alert for properties near the intersection of Green Mountain Road and Apex Mountain Road.
The affected properties are:
Apex Mountain Road: 146, 108, 26, 22, 20, 18
Green Mountain Road: 1907, 1918, 1925, 1992, 1995, 1940 and Burlington Ranch.
What does an alert mean for you?
You should prepare for a potential evacuation order by:
– locating all family members, co-workers and designate a Reception Centre or meeting area outside of the evacuation zone
– gather all essential items: medication, valuable papers, immediate care needs, keepsakes. Have them readily available to take quickly
– moving all pets/livestock to a safe area
– arrange for alternative accommodations, if possible
– monitor news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres.
Due to the steep, rugged terrain crews are having trouble attacking the fire.
It could take days to fully contain.
With files from Angela Jung
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