550 people evacuated in West Kelowna due to wildfire started, people, public, around

tiffiant

550 people evacuated in West Kelowna due to wildfire


KELOWNA - A wildfire near Bear Creek Provincial Park in West Kelowna has forced 550 people from their homes.

More than 30 other properties in the area are on evacuation alert, though officials haven't confirmed how many other homes could be threatened by the 25-hectare fire, which ignited Monday night at around 10 p.m.

The fire started to the northeast of Bear Creek Provincial Park, which has been evacuated, said Carla Stephens, a public information officer with the regional district of Central Okanagan.

So far, 106 homes from the Traders Cove neighbourhood, north of the park, have been evacuated.

Stephens said there are 30 properties south of the park boundary and north of Sailview Bay, which have also been put on evacuation alert. It's not known specifically, at this point, how many homes are on those properties, Stephens added.

"They have to be ready to go at a moment's notice," she said.

She said Westside Road remains closed from Sailview Bay in the south, to Bear Creek Main Forest Service Road in the north.

"Crews are on site, already at it," Stephens said.

Between 30 and 40 firefighters are on scene battling the blaze, Stephens said, adding that two helicopters and an air-tanker have been requested to support the effort from the air.

It's not known at this point what caused the fire, Stephens said.

Evacuated residents should register at the emergency social support reception centre at Westbank Lions Hall, located at 2466 Main Street, in West Kelowna, Stephens said.

Residents with questions about the fire, and related evacuation alerts should call 250-469-8490.

tiffiant

A forest fire has forced the evacuation of 550 people near Kelowna.