Date: Thursday, September 4, 2003
Time: 10:00 a.m.
RECOVERY CENTRE OFFICE 869-0386
PUBLIC INFORMATION LINE 868-2632
RECOVERY SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING 868-2605
BC FOREST SERVICE FIRE INFORMATION: 1 888 336-7378
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NO DAY PASSES
Due to increased fire activity there will be no day passes issued today for those 3,200 residents under Evacuation Order in the Gallagher's Canyon subdivision, the Joe Rich area, McCulloch Road, the southern end of June Springs Road , the McCulloch Lake area and south west of the City boundary to Stewart Road West.
Last night close to 1,300 evacuees registered at the Reception Centre at the Parkinson Recreation Centre on Harvey Avenue between Burtch and Spall Roads. Approximately 60 volunteers are on hand this morning and registration is going smoothly. All evacuees are requested to register should they require food, clothing or lodging, and to assist family or friends who may be concerned for their safety.
The fire grew 1,700 hectares over the past 24 hours and now stands at 22,840 hectares. It is 60% contained, 30% of that is lakeshore.
The Kelowna Fire Department has numerous crews patrolling fire impacted areas to snuff out hot spots and flare ups, bolstered by 16 units from out of town.
The leading edge of the fire is approximately three or four kilometres from homes on June Springs Road, and ten kilometres or more away from other residential areas. Fire crews were kept busy overnight controlling sparks in these areas, and today's plans include the re-application of barricade gel to the homes at the south end of June Springs Road.