Multiple evacuation orders issued as wildfire along Okanagan Lake grows

Multiple evacuation orders issued as wildfire along Okanagan Lake grows

Bradley Creek wildfire has grown to more than 10 square kilometres

Two separate evacuation orders have been issued as the out-of-control Bradley Creek wildfire threatens communities around the northern end of Okanagan Lake near Vernon, B.C.

The Okanagan Indian Band ordered residents in the Head of the Lake area and other properties threatened by the fire to leave immediately Saturday evening.

The order applies to residents north of Bonneau Road and south of Highway 97, those along Head of the Lake and Hawhola roads, and properties extending to the boundary of Okanagan Indian Band IR No. 1.

The band has not said how many properties are covered by its order.

A B.C. emergency alert said the fire was creating a significant risk to life. People north of the fire were directed to head toward Kal Tire Place in Vernon, while those south of the fire were told to head to the Westbank Lions Community Centre in West Kelowna.

The Regional District of North Okanagan issued a separate evacuation order at around 5:45 p.m. for nearly 20 addressed properties northeast of the lake. The district said everyone covered by that order must leave immediately.

More than two-dozen other properties in the area are on evacuation alert.

Westside Road is closed in both directions between Barcelona Drive and Fred Road due to the wildfire.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said winds gusting up to 70 km/h pushed the fire east toward Westside Road and Okanagan Lake. It warned embers could cross the lake and said crews were patrolling the eastern shoreline for possible spot fires.

Ground crews and helicopters are working the fire, but the wildfire service said boaters have been getting too close to aircraft collecting water from Okanagan Lake. It is urging people to clear the area and remain close to shore when firefighting aircraft are operating.