EOC Update: Crater Creek (K52125), Upper Park Rill Creek (K52813) wildfires Thursday, August 24, 2023, 12:00 pm

News Article
Published: August 24, 2023

INFORMATION RELEASE                                                                                                         

Thursday, August 24, 2023, 12:00 pm

EOC Update: Crater Creek (K52125), Upper Park Rill Creek (K52813) wildfires

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Current Evacuation Alerts and Orders

Due to the Crater Creek wildfire, 13 properties along Ashnola Rd and Ewart Creek Rd remain on Evacuation ORDER.

Due to the Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire, 96 properties along Grand Oro Rd and in the Yellow Brick Rd area remain on Evacuation ORDER. Willowbrook Rd in the Yellow Brick Rd area remains closed to traffic.

The community of Willowbrook is accessible via the following routes:

  • From Okanagan Falls, access via Green Lake Rd
  • From Oliver, access via south end of Willowbrook Rd via Fairview Rd
  • From Secrest Hill Rd at Hwy 97

You can find information on Evacuation Alerts and Orders at emergency.rdos.bc.ca or enter your address in the Interactive Map.

For the latest updates on wildfires, please visit BCWildfire.ca.

Information on Evacuation ORDERS and ALERTS for both wildfires is provided below.
BC Wildfire – Crater Creek (K52125)

  • Evacuation Alerts: 195 properties
  • Evacuation Orders: 13 properties

BC Wildfire – Upper Park Rill Creek (K52813)

  • Evacuation Alerts: 407 properties
  • Evacuation Orders: 96 properties

The RDOS EOC is fully staffed and monitoring the Crater Creek (K52125) and Upper Park Rill Creek (K52813) wildfires. The RDOS is collaborating with all local governments and Indigenous communities within the RDOS.


Emergency Reception Centre
The Emergency Reception Centre at Princess Margaret Secondary located at 120 Green Avenue West in Penticton is open Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Reception Centre is scheduled to be open Friday, August 25, 2023, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Emergency Reception Centre has been activated to provide Emergency Support Services (ESS) to all British Columbians whose primary residence is on Evacuation ORDER.

If you are on Evacuation ORDER, please consider making arrangements to stay with family or friends.

Residents under Evacuation Order can call 250-486-1890 for ESS Services. If your property is under Evacuation Alert or Order, or if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for ESS. Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA): ess.gov.bc.ca

Donations and Volunteering

For information about donations and volunteering, please visit the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) website: emergency.rdos.bc.ca.

Emergency Support Services volunteers undertake specific training and are active in small and large emergencies. To learn more about training and volunteer opportunities with Emergency Support Services please visit the Emergency Support Services webpages online.

Structures Impacted by Wildfires
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) is required to independently verify structure loss and inform the property owner before sharing information. Due to the current Evacuation Orders in effect, access is restricted at this time. Thank you for your patience. If you have questions about evacuees or potential structure loss, please call the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre at 250-490-4225.

Relief from Wildfire Smoke

Click here to view the Interior Health air quality guidance info bulletin.

The Okanagan Falls Recreation Centre (1141 Cedar Street, Okanagan Falls) is open for Open Gym Monday to Friday, August 21 to August 25, 2023, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The Kaleden Community Hall (320 Lakehill Road, Kaleden) is open for Open Gym Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The Similkameen Recreation Centre (311 9th Street, Keremeos) bowling alley, lounge and games area is open to all ages Tuesday, August 22 to Friday, August 25, 2023, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

These sessions are free and intended to provide the community with an opportunity to escape the wildfire smoke.

Please Conserve Water
Willowbrook Water System users are reminded to restrict water use. This will ensure water is available for crews working in the area impacted by the Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire (K52813).

If your property is under Evacuation ORDER, please leave the area immediately for safety and the safety of crews.

Please turn off all domestic and agricultural irrigation to conserve water. Watering from residential hoses is not an effective way to reduce fire risk on your property

Joint Statement on Caution in Nature Areas
“Conditions are extremely dry, and valuable resources shouldn't be utilized to deal with a wildfire that could have been prevented. That's why we are asking anyone heading into our area's abundant natural areas (trails, parks and forests) to practice great caution, in particular users of recreational motorized vehicles in off-road areas.”

Click here to view the joint statement (penticton.ca)

Video Update
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) hosted a video update on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 2:15 pm PT. Video updates are available on the RDOS YouTube channel. Please monitor RDOS web and social media channels for the latest updates.

Monitor Official Sources
Residents, property owners, and visitors should continue to monitor official information sources for the latest updates.

Weather and wildfire conditions can change quickly. Please take time now to create a preparedness plan for your family or business in case an Evacuation Alert or Order is issued.

The RDOS EOC is recommending residents and property owners in the Similkameen and across the Regional District, take the following steps:

What to do when an Evacuation Alert is issued

What to do when an Evacuation Order is issued

Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team
If you are in an area under an Evacuation Alert, please make arrangements to relocate animals or livestock. Contact ALERT (Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team) for assistance: 250-809-7152.

VOYENT ALERT! Notifications
Click here to register for routine and emergency notifications via email, text, or telephone. You can also find a link to Voyent Alert! on the RDOS website: www.rdos.bc.ca. For further information, please call the EOC at 250-490-4225. In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Issued by EOC Director

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