The Testalinden Creek fire is one of two burning near Oliver, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

Evacuation Alert for Wilsons Mountain Fires - Rescinded

UPDATE: 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015

Due to the Wilson’s Mountain fire no longer being a threat, the Evacuation Alert issued Aug 15th, 2015 has been rescinded.

Evacuation alerts for the Wilsons Mountain Fire near Oliver have been rescinded for the following area:

Image Credit: Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen

For more information on this fire, specific addresses on the Evacuation Alert, or other fires in the region visit www.rdos.bc.ca.

1:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015

Evacuation Alert Expanded Again for Testalinden Creek Wildfire

Residents south of Road 7 and Tinhorn Creek Road to the west of Highway 97 south of Oliver have been added to the existing Evacuation Alert for the Testalinden Creek Wildfire.

This expansion to the existing Evacuation Alert is due to wildfire growth in the uplands of Kobau Mountain. It is not expected to impact homes in the Okanagan or Similkameen Valleys but the Regional District would like residents within the Evacuation Alert area to be prepared to leave if required.

Residents in these areas will be contacted shortly informing them of steps to take to prepare for potential evacuation. The total number of homes or properties placed under Evacuation Alert due to the Testalinden Creek Wildfire is now 183.

Residents and agriculturists along the Crown Land interface are advised to water interface areas up to 3 hours each day. Residents and agriculturists outside the Evacuation Alert area south of Oliver are asked to conserve water as much as possible to ensure water is available for firefighting.

4 p.m., Friday, August 21, 2015

Evacuation Alert Expanded for Testalinden Creek Wildfire

Residents south of Hester Creek to the west of Highway 97 south of Oliver and Elkink Ranch along Highway 3 east of Osoyoos have been added to the existing Evacuation Alert for the Testalinden Creek Wildfire. Strong winds, caused by a passing weather system, have allowed the Testalinden Creek Wildfire to grow overnight. This growth in the uplands of Kobau Mountain is not expected to impact homes in the Okanagan or Similkameen Valleys but the Regional District would like residents within the Evacuation Alert area to be prepared to leave if required.

Residents in these areas will be contacted shortly informing them of steps to take to prepare for potential evacuation. The total number of homes or properties placed under Evacuation Alert due to the Testalinden Creek Wildfire is 168.

Residents and agriculturists along the Crown Land interface are advised to water interface areas up to 3 hours each day. Residents and agriculturists outside the Evacuation Alert area south of Oliver are asked to conserve water as much as possible to ensure water is available for firefighting.

Anyone with health concerns related to smoke can visit www.interiorhealth.ca or call 8-1-1 for Health Link BC.

Upon notification of an ALERT, residents should be prepared for the evacuation order by:
• Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a Reception Centre outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
• Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
• Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
• Making arrangements to move pets and livestock to a safe area.
• Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception Centres will be opened if required.
• Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres.

For more information please visit www.rdos.bc.ca, call 250-492-0237 or toll-free 1-877-610- 3737. 

Additional Information

Wilsons Mountain Fire – 260 homes remain under an Evacuation Alert. No change to Evacuation Alert related to Wilsons Mountain Wildfire.

B.C. Wildfire Service:

Testalinden: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/OneFire.asp?ID=573

Wilsons Mountain: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/OneFire.asp?ID=574

3:10 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015

Testalinden Creek Fire

Burn-out operations ongoing

Size: 1,850.0 hectares (estimated), 40% contained

The Testalinden Creek wildfire, burning approximately seven kilometres south of Oliver, is now estimated at 1850 hectares. Airtankers, ten helicopters and 126 firefighters continue to work towards establishing containment.

Smoke from the Testalinden Creek Wildfire will increase today, in Oliver and along Highway 97, as combustible material continues to burn naturally on the slopes around Testalinden Creek. BC Wildfire Service personnel continue to work around the clock on establishiing containment lines and controlling expected flare ups with ground crews, air support and when possible burn out operations.

An Evacuation Alert remains in place for residents of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

11:33 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015

Size: 317.0 hectares (estimated), 70% contained

The Wilson Mountain Road fire is burning one kilometre north of Oliver and is now estimated at 317 hectares in size. Twenty-nine firefighters established guard around portions of the perimeter.

An Evacuation Alert remains in place for residents of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

Information will be posted and updated regularly at: http://www.rdos.bc.ca/newsevents/eoc/current-eoc/.
Please visit www.rdos.bc.ca, call 250-492-0237 or toll-free 1-877-610-3737. Media are requested to contact 250-488-0285.

12:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 17, 2015

Testalinden Creek Fire Downgraded to Evacuation Alert

The Evacuation Order for properties affected by the Testalinden Creek Fire has been removed and those properties are now placed under an Evacuation Alert. All residents in the Osoyoos and Oliver areas affected by wildfires can now return to their homes but should be prepared to evacuate if the fire becomes a greater risk. Information on how to be prepared to evacuate is below.

Wilsons Mountain Fire
• 260 homes remain under an Evacuation Alert.
• At least one structure was damaged by fire.
• Residents dealing with power outages can contact FortisBC at 1-866-436-7847 or visit www.fortisbc.com for information.

Testalinden Fire
• 100 homes in the Spotted Lake and Kilpoola areas along Highway 3 west of Osoyoos and parts of the western side of Highway 97 north of Osoyoos,BC have been placed under an Evacuation Alert. All residents can return to their homes but should be prepared to evacuate if the fire becomes a greater risk.
• At least one structure damaged by fire.
• Residents dealing with power outages can contact FortisBC at 1-866-436-7847 or visit www.fortisbc.com for information. The Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at the Oliver Community Centre is now closed. Residents seeking Support Services can contact the RDOS at 250-492-0237 or toll free 1- 877-610-3737 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays.

Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for the evacuation order by:
• Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a Reception Centre outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
• Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
• Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
• Making arrangements to move pets and livestock to a safe area.
• Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation,

Reception Centres will be opened if required.
• Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres.
???
Information will be posted and updated regularly at: http://www.rdos.bc.ca/news- events/eoc/current-eoc/

7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015

Testalinden Creek and Wilsons Mountain Fires Sunday Night Update

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated dealing with two (2) fires in the Oliver, BC area.

Wilsons Mountain Fire
• 260 homes were evacuated but residents are now allowed back to their homes under an Evacuation Alert.
• At least one structure was damaged by fire.
• FortisBC believes all home owners in the Wilsons Mountain Road should have power tonight. Power in the area may be intermittent due to damage to transmission lines or temporary shut downs as fire damaged power poles and lines are replaced. Residents dealing with power outages can contact FortisBC at 1-866-436-7847 or visit www.fortisbc.com for information.

Testalinden Fire
• 100 homes remain under Evacuation Order in the Spotted Lake and Kilpoola areas and parts of the western side of Highway 97 north of Osoyoos,BC. An Evacuation Order is still in effect overnight and will be reassessed in the morning.
• At least one structure damaged by fire.

The Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at the Oliver Community Centre is now closed. Residents seeking Emergency Support Services can contact the RDOS at 250-492-0237 or toll free 1-877-610-3737.

Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for the evacuation order by:
• Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a Reception Centre outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
• Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
• Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
• Making arrangements to move pets and livestock to a safe area.
• Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception Centres will be opened if required.
• Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres.

Information will be posted and updated regularly at: http://www.rdos.bc.ca/news- events/eoc/current-eoc/

3 p.m, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015

Sidley Mountain Fire Evacuation Alert Rescinded

Due to the Sidley Mountain Fire no longer being a threat, the Evacuation Alert for residents on Nine Mile Place, Raven Hill Road and Raven Hill Place, east of Osoyoos, has been rescinded.

The Sidley Mountain Fire started in Washington State and crossed over into British Columbia Thursday afternoon, east of Osoyoos.

This prompted the Regional District of Okanagan- Similkameen and neighbouring Regional District of Kootenay Boundary to issue evacuation orders which were downgraded to an evacuation alert on Friday.

The BC Wildfire Service has now determined that the threat to homes in Canada from the Sidley Mountain Fire is minimal and both Regional Districts have rescinded their respective Evacuation Alerts for this particular fire.

There are still two other active fires burning near Osoyoos.

An Evacuation Order is in effect for designated homes to the north west of Osoyoos due to the Testalinden Creek Fire.

An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for homes near Oliver impacted by the Wilsons Mountain Fire.

The Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at the Oliver Community Centre at 6359 Park Drive remains open to assist any property owners affected by either fire. Residents that have not done so are asked to register in person at the Oliver Community Centre.

Information regarding all Evacuation Orders and Alerts will be posted and updated regularly at:
http://www.rdos.bc.ca/news-events/eoc/current-eoc/

11 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Center is still fully activated dealing with two fires in the Oliver, B.C. area.

Wilsons Mountain Fire
- 260 homes were evacuated but residents are now allowed back to their homes under an Evacuation Alert.
- Started at the south side of Wilsons Mountain Road and travelled south towards the Town of Oliver.
- One structure was damaged by fire.
- FortisBC is onsite assessing the damage to transmission equipment. Residents dealing with power outages can contact FortisBC at 1-866-436-7847 or visit www.fortisbc.com for estimated time power may be reestablished. In the Wilsons Mountain Road area FortisBC is working towards getting power to all homes affected late this evening. Once re-established, power in the area may be intermittent (brown outs) due to potential damage to lines.

Testalinden Fire
- 100 homes remain under Evacuation Order in the Spotted Lake and Kilpoola areas and parts of the western side of Highway 97 north of Osoyoos, B.C. B.C. Wildfire Service personnel are presently assessing the fire and are working directly with the RDOS to determine status. Evacuation Order is still in effect.
- This fire started at Testalinden Creek, travelled south adjacent to the valley bottom and higher elevation to Kilpoola Estates at Richter Pass
- One structure was damaged by fire.

The Emergency Social Services Reception Centre at the Oliver Community Centre at 6359 Park Dr. had a quiet night last night, Aug. 16. It remains open to assist any property owners affected by either fire.

Residents that have not done so are asked to register in person at the Oliver Community Centre.

Please visit www.rdos.bc.ca, call 250-492-0237 or toll-free 1-877-610-3737.

3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015

Due to continued fire threat, the Testalinden Creek Fire Evacuation Order remains in effect for properties south of Oliver evacuated Friday night. This includes homes in Spotted Lake and Kilpoola area off Highway 3 and a small section of Highway 97.

No new homes have been added to the evacuation order for the Testalinden Creek Fire. All evacuees are asked to register at the Emergency Social Services Reception Centre at the Oliver Community Centre at 6359 Park Drive or call 250-498-4985.

The Evacuation Order has been rescinded for the properties affected by the Wilsons Mountain Fire to the north and west of Oliver, BC. All homeowners that were affected by Friday’s Evacuation Order for the Wilsons Mountain Fire can return to their homes but these homes have been placed on Evacuation Alert until such time the fire is fully contained.

Homeowners placed on Evacuation Alert should be prepared for potential evacuation by:
• Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a Reception Centre outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
• Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs,    etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
• Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
• Moving pets and livestock to a safe area.
• Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception Centres will be opened if required.
• Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres.

Information will be posted and updated regularly at: http://www.rdos.bc.ca/news- events/eoc/current-eoc/

Wilsons Mountain fire evacuation alert

Image Credit: Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen

Testalinden Creek fire evacuation order

Image Credit: Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen

1:53 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015

An information meeting will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Dr. to update the media and public on the Testalinden Creek and Wilsons Mountain Wildfires.

B.C. Wildfire officials and local government representatives will be on hand to discuss the fire and evacuation orders in the area.

An update will be provided online at 3:00 p.m. to correspond with the information meeting.

Smoky skies advisory for South Okanagan

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, has issued a smoky skies advisory for the southern areas of the Okanagan including Oliver and Osoyoos. 

Exposure to increased smoke concentrations is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those w ho have underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease. Those at risk should avoid strenuous activities and prolonged exposure to smoke. Individuals who experience any of the following symptoms, should contact their health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways.

Should symptoms develop (such as an irritated throat or cough) individuals may wish to consider limiting their activity and exposure. Residents can stay informed of air quality and the air quality health index for their area by visiting www.bcairquality.ca.

9:45 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015

The RDOS Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to support two new fires burning in the South Okanagan.

Both fire have been moving rapidly as a result of significant winds and have resulted in evacuation orders in two locations.

1. Wilsons Mountain Fire
- Started at the south side of Wilson Mountain Road and travelled south threatening the Town of Oliver
- 260 homes evacuated

2. Testalinden Fire
- Started at Testalinden Creek travelled south adjacent to valley bottom and higher elevation to Kilpoola Estates at Richter Pass
- 1 home burned
- 100 homes evacuated

An Emergency Social Services reception centre has been activated at the Oliver Community Centre at 6359 Park Drive.

The Osoyoos Reception Centre has CLOSED.

Residents are asked to check in when they arrive. To register by phone please call 250-498- 4985.

Information will be posted and updated regularly at: http://www.rdos.bc.ca/news- events/eoc/current-eoc/

Evacuation orders have been issued for the follow properties:

• Properties along 103 Street to Kruger Mountain Road (Kilpoola)
• Properties along 146 Avenue
• Properties along 194 Avenue
• Properties along Alkali Road
• Properties along Fruitvale Way
• Properties along Goldenmile Drive
• Properties along Highway 3 from the Vinyard Rd junction to Kobau Look-Out Forest Service Road (Spotted Lake area)
• Properties along the west side of Highway 97 between 168 Ave and Road 14
• Properties along Kruger Mountain Road
• Properties along Old Richter Pass Road
• Properties along Road 16 west of Highway 97
• Properties along Road 17 west of Highway 97
• Properties along Road 18 west of Highway 97
• Properties along Testalinden Place

Current maps, addresses and streets within evacuation area:
http://www.rdosmaps.bc.ca/min_bylaws/NewAndEvents/Press_Releases/2015/08August/Oliver_Evac_Order_Aug14.pdf

B.C. Wildfire Service:
Testalinden: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/OneFire.asp?ID=573
Wilsons Mountain: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/OneFire.asp?ID=574 

EOC is activated to Level 2 with 12 staff including operational representatives from RCMP, Search and Rescue and Town of Oliver.

Please visit www.rdos.bc.ca, call 250-492-0237 or toll- free 1-877-610-3737.

Image Credit: Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen