FILE PHOTO
(MARSHALL JONES / iNFOnews.ca)
September 08, 2023 - 4:07 PM
Kelowna RCMP is patrolling the area on Okanagan Lake's western banks, turning boaters away from accessing the burned areas.
Police say there have been "several" reports of boaters trying to access "off limits" properties, according to a news release.
Hundreds of properties are still under evacuation order due to the McDougall Creek wildfire, but there's been no official count of the amount of properties destroyed in the area.
Kelowna RCMP reminded the public that its the only area along the lake that's restricted to the public and boaters specifically, according to a news release.
Earlier this week, the Central Okanagan Regional District warned the public that anyone dodging police checkpoints, including by water, could face $1,150 fines for accessing evacuated areas.
Some residents have been allowed to return to their properties on scheduled visits. If they miss those times, they are banned from returning until evacuation orders are lifted.
The McDougall Creek wildfire is estimated to cover nearly 14,000 hectares and has remained out of control since it started on Aug. 15.
Kelowna RCMP did not say whether anyone has been fined for accessing the area, but said they will "continue" to patrol the area.
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