Central Okanagan residents who were ordered to evacuate on Friday because of the White Rock Lake wildfire have a temporary window on Saturday to return home.
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says while evacuation alerts and orders remain unchanged for communities along Westside Road within the regional district, it is opening “a one-time extraordinary window, from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., this afternoon.”
CORE says the timeframe is aimed at people evacuated late Friday night who were not able to get back to their homes and campsites.
The latest evacuation order affects approximately 2,127 properties, from the northern regional district boundary to the south end of Ewings Landing.
“This is only for those in the area from south of Ewings Landing to south of La Casa resort,” said CORE.
“They are allowed during this time period to return and retrieve vehicles, trailers and clothing and other essential items required, and exit the area as it remains under evacuation order.
“Any returning resident must be out of the area by 3:30 p.m., so they do not get in the way of fire-fighting, endangering the lives of emergency responders.”
CORE said in addition to the evacuation order, boaters are asked to stay clear of the western shoreline of Okanagan Lake, “so they don’t interfere with helicopters or other aircraft fighting the wildfire.”
Further, CORE says with approximately 817 properties are on evacuation alert, those residents must be prepared to leave on short notice, should fire conditions change.
The alert affects communities from south of Ewings Landing to north of Traders Cove (intersection of Bear Lake Forest Service Road and Westside Road).
CORE also provided information regarding Friday night’s firefighting activities.
It said in addition to structural fire crews with BC Wildfire, structural firefighters from Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, North Westside, Joe Rich and Wilson’s Landing fire departments provided patrols through the evacuated areas.
“They extinguished spot fires and provided other fire protection,” said CORE. “At this point, there are no reports of structural damage. These crews are continuing to support BC Wildfire Structural fire teams.”
As of Saturday at noon, BC Wildfire estimates the White Rock Lake wildfire at 55,000 hectares. The fire is listed as out of control and is challenging firefighting efforts.
For evacuees, a reception centre staffed by volunteers is open in Kelowna at 1480 Sutherland Ave., from noon to 8 p.m.
The centre will be open on Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m.
CORE also says police are conducting regular patrols in the evacuated area.
Comments