Evacuation order expanded for wildfire north of Kelowna

Central Okanagan Emergency Management has expanded the evacuation order for the Quilpituk Creek wildfire north of Kelowna to include properties in Caesars Landing that had previously been on evacuation alert.

Residents under evacuation order are being told to leave immediately using Westside Road south and to follow emergency personnel and traffic-control directions. Dozens of properties in Shelter Cove, Secret Point and Cinnabar Creek have been placed on evacuation alert.

Officials urged people on alert to prepare essential supplies, including medications, important documents and pet supplies, but not to self-evacuate unless directed. They said unnecessary travel can create congestion and hamper emergency operations.

The wildfire was estimated at 550 hectares Monday morning and remained out of control, although no structures were immediately threatened, officials said. BC Wildfire Service said steep terrain was contributing to growth and crews continued overnight suppression work with tankers. The suspected cause is human activity, accidental or intentional.

The larger Bradley Creek wildfire farther up the lake was estimated at more than 2,600 hectares, with no significant growth reported Sunday night or Monday morning.