The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) held a joint wildfire video update on Friday, July 23, 2021. Representatives from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), Town of Oliver, Town of Osoyoos, Penticton Indian Band (PIB) and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) provided updates on the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire. Updates were also provided on Thomas Creek and Brenda Creek wildfires.

Next video update scheduled for Saturday, July 24 at 2:00 pm PST.

The broadcast will be streamed to the RDOS YouTube channel.

A summary of the July 23, 2021 updates:

BC Wildfire Service

Check the BCWS website for updates. Current actions and assigned resources are listed there.

Please respect all area restriction notices and do not fly drones (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems -RPAS) in wildfire zones. Drones will ground the entire BCWS fleet until confirmation has been received that air space is clear.

• Working with FortisBC, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to protect power infrastructure and keep highway open
• There will be no permit access granted to properties under Evacuation Order in Electoral Area A or C due to the Mk’Mip wildfire until further notice
• Thomas Creek wildfire: making good headway creating fireguards, majority of work is on the western slopes. Area restriction remains in place.
• Brenda Creek wildfire: continue protecting significant infrastructure, power line transmissions and watershed

RDOS EOC

Nk’Mip Creek wildfire

• 633 properties on Evacuation Order
• 1,370 properties on Evacuation Alert

Brenda Creek wildfire

• 41 properties (42 parcels) on Evacuation Order
• 2 properties on Evacuation Alert

Thomas Creek wildfire

705 properties on Evacuation Alert

RDOS EOC

• Visitors should be mindful of BCWS operations, Evacuation Alerts and Orders
• Check drivebc.ca for latest road updates including highway closures
• Avoid operational areas, including Skaha Lake and Osoyoos Lake and respect Area Restrictions
• One structure and one camper (RV) lost due to Nk’Mip Creek wildfire

PIB

• Heartfelt thanks and praise to firefighters on front lines and all other emergency service responders
• As a result of the increase in fire activity within Osoyoos Indian Band, PIB emergency services activated July 22 and prepared the community hall and ball park to receive evacuees in need of lodging due to the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire
• Thank you to RDOS and City of Penticton for support and donation of cots
• Greatly appreciate the cooperation of communities, and working together with outside agencies to support each other during this emergency

Regional District of Kootenay-Boundary

• Residents on Evacuation Order and Alert from Sidley, Mount Baldy, Bridesville and Rock Creek
• Please check www.rdkb.com for updates
• 122 properties on Evacuation Order
• 318 properties on Evacuation Alert
• RDKB Reception Centre: Boundary Expo Recreation Centre: 734-7^th Avenue, Midway

Town of Osoyoos

Tourists impacted by Evacuation Order should be aware hotels and campgrounds may not be an option. You may need to consider returning home. If you’re planning to visit the Town of Osoyoos, please check drivebc.ca for road updates, visit destinationosoyoos.ca and www.osoyoos.ca for updates.

If you do visit, please carry extra supplies including water.

Town of Oliver

• 540 people met with Emergency Support Services (ESS)
• 383 people supported by ESS
• Please register with the Evacuation Registration Assistance tool at https://ess.gov.bc.ca
• Check oliver.ca for updates
• Evacuation Alerts remain in effect

Next video update scheduled for Saturday, July 24 at 2:00 pm PST.

Issued by EOC Director