PowerBlogs: Jasmine Doobay

News Release No. 56

Date:  July 25, 2009

Time:  11:00 a.m.

KELOWNA: There’s now 50 percent containment of the Terrace Mountain forest fire, which the Ministry of Forests estimates at 4,500 hectares.  BC Forest Service crews have completed control lines on the west side of the fire and are making good progress with completing control lines on the east side.  Working on the fire are 250 BC Forest Service fire fighters, 89 pieces of heavy equipment, 16 helicopters and an additional 59 fire fighters with the Structural Protection Units.

Residents are reminded that even with this progress all Evacuation Orders and Alerts remain in effect.

Approximately 1,018 people continue on Evacuation Order in the following areas:

· Valley of the Sun

· Fintry High Farm

· Fintry Delta

· Upper Fintry

· Fintry Provincial Park

· Muirallen Estates

· La Casa

· District lots off South Terrace Mountain

Areas where the Evacuation Order was rescinded at 8:00 am Saturday, July 25^th and remain on Short Notice Evacuation Alert (approximately 1,200 people) and should be prepared to leave their properties on short notice are:

· Wainman Cove

· Marchbank

· Killiney Beach

· Aspen Shores

· Summersands

· Estamont

· Ewings Landing

· Nahun

· Caesar’s Landing

· Shelter Cove

Areas that are still on Evacuation Alert (approximately 2,458 people)

· Westshore

· Traders Cove

· Wilson’s Landing

· Bear Creek Main to Bear Lake

The Emergency Operation Centre reminds all residents on Evacuation Alert that they should be prepared to leave their home at a moment’s notice should there be any change related to the status of the forest fire.

For information regarding the Terrace Mountain fires please call 250-469-8490 and staff will be pleased to assist you.

All news releases and maps are also available on the Regional District website, www.regionaldistrict.com by clicking on the Terrace Mountain Fire icon.

Those residents still on Evacuation Order receiving assistance from the Vernon Emergency Social Services reception centre (Vernon Recreation Centre, 3310 37^th Avenue) should be aware the centre is operating from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm today (Sunday, July 26^th) and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday, July 27^th to Wednesday, July 29^th.  The Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary reception centre (2751 Cameron Road, West Kelowna) is open to assist evacuated residents from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

On Saturday, July 25^th the Ministry of Public Safety extended the State of Emergency declaration by the Regional District of Central Okanagan until August 2^nd.  The extension gives the Regional District the powers necessary to ensure protection of life and property as a result of the Terrace Mountain forest fire.

Motorists are reminded that Westside Road is closed between La Casa on the south side and Baziw Orchards on the north side of the area that remains on Evacuation Order.

Regarding the two fires in the District of West Kelowna, the Ministry of Forests advises more than 115 BC Forest Service crews continue to mop up the Glenrosa and Rose Valley fires.  An estimated 17,500 residents affected by these fires remain on Evacuation Alert.

<<09.07.26.doc>>

For Immediate Release
July 26, 2009

0900 hours Ministry of Forests and Range

Kamloops Fire Centre

WILDFIRE AT TERRACE MOUNTAIN 50 PERCENT CONTAINED

KAMLOOPS – The wildfire at Terrace Mountain, which is estimated at 4,500 hectares, is now 50 percent contained.

BC Forest Service crews have completed control lines on the west side of the fire, and are making good progress towards completing control lines on the east flank.  Fire officials will continue to assess conditions for burning off opportunities.

Resources on site include 250 BC Forest Service firefighters, 89 pieces of heavy equipment, 16 helicopters, and an additional 59 firefighters with the Structural Protection Units from the Office of the Fire Commissioner.

The weather is forecast to be sunny with the possibility of afternoon thundershowers and winds from the north at 12 to 20 kilometres per hour.  Hot and dry conditions are expected to return for Monday.

Although some of the Evacuation Orders have been downgraded to Alerts, other Evacuation Orders and Alerts remain in place for areas around the wildfire.  For more information please contact the Emergency Operations Centre at 1-250-469-8490.

Over 115 BC Forest Service crews continue to work on mop up of the Glenrosa and Rose Valley fires, to ensure that all hot spots are fully extinguished.

Yesterday afternoon the Kelowna Fire Dispatch Centre and the Kelowna Fire Department were put to the test when the High Winds and lightning storm moved through the Valley. The Dispatch Centre dispatched 70 incidents in a 2 hour period stretching Kelowna Fire Department resources to their limit. One of the more serious calls was received at 14:53 in the 4900 block of Chute Lake Rd for a report of a tree down on wires and arcing. When crews arrived they were faced with two fires as a result of a tree falling across the electrical wires. The wires came down and ignited the brush bordering Summerhill Winery and the brush behind 4920 Chute Lake Rd which spread to a Shed, Garage Shelter and antique tractor. The fire behind 4920 Chute Lake was approximately  250’X25’ and the fire bordering Summerhill Winery was approximately 80X20. Crews were able to knock both fires down quickly however for safety reasons had to wait until Fortis cut the power to the live electrical wires that were on the ground before they could fully extinguish the fires. 2 Engines, 1 Tender and 1 Bush truck responded. No injuries reported.

Kelowna Fire Department would like to remind the public if you come across a downed power line to keep at least 10 metres (33 Feet) away.

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

File Number:

2009-15932                                                                  2009-July-25

Air Tanker working the Terrace fire goes down in Okanagan Lake

Just after noon today one of the Air Tankers that was actively working the Terrace Mountain fire went down into Okanagan Lake just south of Fintry Delta while taking on water to fight the fire.

Two boats in the area were on scene immediately and recued the pilot, he was taken to shore by the Kelowna RCMP police boat. The pilot is reported to have received minor injuries and has been transported to Kelowna hospital by EHS to be assessed by medical staff.

The Kelowna Fire boat was dispatched to the scene to assist and contain the scene.

Parts of the aircraft have been recovered by boats in the area. Police and fire officials remain on scene.

The plane is owned by Conair Group Inc. The company has been informed of this accident.

Transport Safety Board has been called to investigate this crash.

People to stay away from downed power lines

In an incident just witnessed on Chute Lake Road, in front of Summerhill Winery,  where a pine tree came down and took our a powerline, narrowly missing 4 people on scooters, onlookers stopped in their vehicles to see what happened. Even more dangerous were the people who actually walked to under the downed powerline to see what happened.

The public is requested to never go near or touch a fallen power line. Always assume that a line or anything contacting it, is energized. Stay at least ten metres (33 feet) away at all times and do not attempt to remove debris surrounding the line.

INFORMATION BULLETIN
2009FOR0039-000159
July 25, 2009
Ministry of Forests and Range

ADDITIONAL FIREFIGHTING CREWS REQUESTED

VICTORIA - British Columbia is welcoming additional personnel from Alberta,
Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario to assist B.C. fire crews as hot and dry
conditions continue in the province.

A seven-person incident management team from Alberta arrived yesterday. Two
20-person crews from Manitoba and five four-person crews from Saskatchewan
will arrive today. Approximately 150 firefighters and fire specialists from
Ontario will arrive on July 26. Specialists include incident commanders,
division supervisors and fire behaviour analysts.

These crews are in addition to the 123 personnel who arrived on Thursday.
Placement of the arriving personnel will be determined based on fire
activity and anticipated need. It is important that some firefighting crews
are kept on standby in all fire centres in anticipation of additional fires
starting. Additional crews will also ensure all firefighting staff receive
the required time off, in accordance with safe work standards.

The fire danger rating in British Columbia is currently moderate to high,
with pockets in southern portions of the province rated extreme.

All deployments are co-ordinated through the Canadian Interagency Forest
Fire Centre (CIFFC). Costs of this deployment are being paid by the Ministry
of Forests and Range, Wildfire Branch. This year, British Columbia has sent
crews to four other jurisdictions. This is the second time this season that
British Columbia has asked for crews.

Since April 1, fire crews have responded to more than 1,300 fires across the
province, approximately 50 per cent of which have been human-caused.

The public reports nearly half of all wildfires in B.C. Please continue to
report smoke and flames by calling toll-free 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most
cellular networks.

News Release No. 54

Date:  July 25, 2009

Time:  11:15 a.m.

KELOWNA: As of mid- morning Saturday, July 25^th there has been a smooth transition of people heading back to their homes along Westside Road after a partial rescinding of the Evacuation Order in the Terrace Mountain forest fire.  This took effect at 8 am this morning.  Approximately 1,200 people who are allowed to return are reminded that they are on Short Notice Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave again on a moment’s notice should conditions change with the forest fire.

RCMP say that there were no line ups when they began the controlled re-entry for residents in the Wainman Cove – Killiney Beach area on the north and the Nahun – Shelter Cove area in the south.   They add it has been a smooth and manageable process as returning residents have been presenting the appropriate identification and documentation. Those returning to homes in the northern subdivisions must do so from Vernon.  Those residents that reside south of La Casa must access their properties from the south, so if they are coming from Vernon, they must use Highway 97 through Kelowna to connect with Westside Road.

Police also report that as of mid-morning, there have been no reports of mischief or illegal activity in these areas.

Returning residents are advised that during this window of opportunity to return home, they should check their properties, secure or remove anything that they were unable to retrieve when they were evacuated Thursday.

Emergency Social Services for people in these areas has ended with this morning’s lifting of the Evacuation Order. If an Evacuation Order is re-issued for these areas, residents will be able to re-register for ESS aid for food and lodging, but not for clothing. This is because people returning to the evacuated areas will have had ample time to take their clothing with them in the event they must evacuate again.

Motorists are reminded that Westside Road is now closed between La Casa on the south side and Baziw Orchards on the north side of the area that remains on Evacuation Order. Approximately 1,018 people remain out of their homes in the following areas:

Valley of the Sun

Fintry High Farm

Fintry Delta

Upper Fintry

Fintry Provincial Park

Muirallen Estates

La Casa

District lots off South Terrace Mountain

The Ministry of Forests says the Terrace Mountain fire is estimated at 4,500 hectares and is 25 per cent contained.  High humidity and recent precipitation are leading to quieter fire behavior and allow fire crews to bolster efforts to complete their fire guards.  Among the resources on site are 250 BC Forest Service fire fighters, eight helicopters, 27 water tenders, 48 pieces of heavy equipment and an additional 56 fire fighters working with the Structural Protection Units.  Additional air support includes six amphibious water bombers that are available if required.

The Ministry also asks the public to stay out of the Terrace Mountain fire fighting area.  There will be high activity around the fire as heavy equipment and crews are being transported and positioned.  As this is an active fire site, recreation and road closures may be implemented at any time. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will also be working requiring access to Okanagan Lake in order to scoop up water.  Boaters are reminded to stay at least 400 meters from the western lake shoreline so that they don’t interfere with the ability of aircraft to do their work.

All other Evacuation Alerts remain in effect at this time for the Terrace Mountain, Rose Valley and Glenrosa fires.

Information regarding the Terrace Mountain fires or have any questions please call 250-469-8490 and staff will be pleased to assist you.

All news releases and maps are also available on the Regional District website, www.regionaldistrict.com by clicking on the Terrace Mountain Fire icon.

<<09.07.25.doc>>

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2009

0830 hours Ministry of Forests and Range

Kamloops Fire Centre

FIRE BEHAVIOUR QUIETER AT TERRACE MOUNTAIN

KAMLOOPS – The wildfire at Terrace Mountain, which is estimated at 4,500 hectares, is now 25 percent contained.

Higher relative humidity and recent precipitation have led to much quieter fire behaviour, and will allow fire crews more time to complete their fire guards.  Tactical strategies include preparing for back burning, which is burning off unburned fuel back from contingency guards.

Resources on site now include 250 BC Forest Service fire fighters, eight helicopters, 27 water tenders, 48 pieces of heavy equipment, and an additional 56 fire fighters working with the Structural Protection Units from the Office of the Fire Commissioner.  Additional air support from the six amphibious water bombers is also available if required.

The weather today is expected to be a mix of sun and cloud, with temperatures in the mid twenties and the possibility of isolated afternoon thunderstorms.  Winds from the north and northeast are expected to range between 10 and 25 kilometres per hour.  The weather is forecast to return to warm and dry for Monday and Tuesday.

Although some of the Evacuation Orders have been downgraded to Alerts, other Evacuation Orders and Alerts remain in place for areas around the wildfire.  For more information please contact the Emergency Operations Centre at 1-250-469-8490.

News Release No. 53

Date:  July 24, 2009

Time:  5:30 p.m.

KELOWNA: Approximately 1,200 people will be allowed to return to some areas of Westside Road after 8 a.m. Saturday, July 25.

However, Emergency Operation Centre spokesmen emphasized that returning residents are on a Short Notice Evacuation Alert, meaning they might be asked to leave again at any time.

“Due to some favourable conditions caused by the rain, cooler weather and the work overnight and today of firefighters and heavy equipment operators, the evacuation order has been lifted with the caution that this is a huge fire that remains only 20 % contained and is relatively close to these inhabited areas,” said Jason Johnson, Deputy EOC Director.

Effective 8 am tomorrow, an area around Fintry remains on an Evacuation Order and Westside Road will remain closed between La Casa on the south side and Baziw Orchards on the north side. Those returning to homes south of La Casa must access their properties from the south, meaning if they are coming from Vernon, they must use Highway 97 through Kelowna to connect with Westside Road.

Deputy Incident Commander for the Forest Service Rob Krause says the change in condition offers a window of opportunity for these people to return and check their properties, secure or remove anything they were unable to retrieve when evacuated Thursday. Also, because the power was out in that area for a period of time Thursday, residents might want to check their perishable food supply and if they have any concerns Interior Health advises they should throw it out.  Do not refreeze thawed foods.

Emergency Social Services for people in these areas ends with the lifting of the Evacuation Order. If an Evacuation Order is re-issued for these areas, residents will be able to re-register for ESS aid for food and lodging, but not for clothing. This is because people returning to the evacuated areas will have had ample time to take their clothing with them in the event they must evacuate again.

In addition, a state of emergency has been lifted for Peachland due to the containment of fires in Glenrosa and Rose Valley. Residents in those areas remain on alert, but Forest Service personnel report the fires are in mop-up mode.

Areas where Evacuation Order has been rescinded effective 8 am tomorrow and will be on Short Notice Evacuation Alert:

· Wainman Cove

· Marchbank

· Killiney Beach

· Aspen Shores

· Summersands

· Estamont

· Ewings Landing

· Nahun

· Caesar’s Landing

· Shelter Cove

Areas still under an Evacuation Order are:

· Valley of the Sun

· Fintry Delta

· Fintry Provincial Park

· Upper Fintry

· Muirallen Estates

· La Casa

· Fintry High Farm

· District lots off South Terrace Mountain

Information regarding the Terrace Mountain fires or have any questions please call 250-469-8490 and staff will be pleased to assist you.