(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
July 13, 2017 - 11:30 AM
KELOWNA – UBC Okanagan is offering their unoccupied dorms to B.C. residents forced from their homes by fire.
Deputy vice-chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard says the Kelowna campus is part of the provincial emergency response plan and although their emergency accommodations have not yet been requested, they are ready to assist if needed.
“We work closely with authorities to provide accommodation to firefighting personnel and evacuees when required,” Buszard says in a media release. “Our campus continues to offer low cost and family friendly accommodation to anyone displaced by the fires.”
There are currently more than 200 active wildfires in B.C. If you are evacuated and in need a safe place to stay, contact the Conferences and Accommodation team.
A spokesperson for Emergency Management B.C. says evacuees should try to get to Kamloops but those already in Kelowna or the Okanagan have another option.
The Central Okanagan Regional District’s Emergency Operations Centre has set up temporary group accommodation for up to 500 people on evacuation orders due to the fires in the Okanagan Similkameen, Thompson Nicola region, and the Columbia Cariboo regional districts.
A temporary reception centre is set up at 1480 Sutherland Ave. between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The YMCA is also offering free access for those on evacuation order, with identification.
"Kelowna opened because people headed in many different directions from the wildfires," Emergency Management B.C. spokesperson Jordan Turner says. "Right now Kelowna is helping us fill a need in that area."
Evacuees with questions about emergency services in Kelowna are asked to call 250-469-8490.
For a list of contact information for officials with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, B.C. Wildfire Service, Emergency Information B.C., and Drive B.C. post updated information online, go here.
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