Work on the fire break continues: August 20, 2023 @ 1700 hrs
As reported earlier today, fire crews from BC Wildfire Service are continuing construction of a fire break that began yesterday north of Cinnabar Creek and south of Caesar’s Landing. The fire break will provide additional protection to OKIB lands and resources should the fire advance to the north.
OKIB crews did a reconnaissance by boat today to confirm the location and intensity of the fires. Crews were also on the ground doing reconnaissance in Lake Country.
A lack of wind and cooler temperatures overnight were beneficial to fire fighters. Progress was made on protecting structures in West Kelowna and Lake Country, and crews began establishing control lines on all side of the fire. It was described as “a good day for firefighting” but there is a long fight ahead. Members are asked to remain vigilant as fires are unpredictable.
The McDougall fire is now estimated at 11,000 hectares in size, up from 6,800 hectares yesterday morning. The smoke currently makes it difficult to gain an accurate measurement. 500 personnel are working on the fire.
The Lake Country fires are estimated 1,130 hectares. No further evacuation alerts have been issued. Duck Lake members are not under an evacuation alert at this time.
To all OKIB members who live at Duck Lake, please contact our EOC and provide contact information for yourself and your relatives who live there. Text or call 250-309-2458, or email [email protected] to register. This is a precautionary measure, so that we can reach out to you if necessary. Members should be aware that if an evacuation alert is issued, it will come from CORD, not OKIB.
Have you assembled your evacuation kit and your grab-and-go bag? Check out this link for information on items to include: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/build-an- emergency-kit-and-grab-and-go-bag
Mental Health and Wellness support is available for OKIB members who would like to talk to a counsellor. Call the OKIB Mental Wellness intake and referral line at 250-241-4741. More information is available on our website at https://okib.ca/news/call-if-you-need-to-talk
Please FireSmart your home. Clean up leaves and needles, trim bushes back from your house, move firewood away from structures. Ensure there are no flammable objects around your home. More information to FireSmart your home is located at: https://firesmartbc.ca/
Our EOC team is constantly monitoring the fire for changes that may affect OKIB members. Please continue to follow us for updates:
- Website – www.okib.ca
- Facebook for Members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1338692452818556/
- App for members
Please share this information with family and friends who are not on social media.
