Evacuations after forest fire near Kelowna 2011, forest, people, about

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Evacuations after forest fire near Kelowna
Hundreds forced from their homes
Amanda Wawryk Sep 06, 2011 07:10:03 AM
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KELOWNA (NEWS1130) - Hundreds of people have been forced out of a resort community and a provincial park on the west side of Okanagan Lake by a forest fire that broke out late last night.  They were told to get out of their beds in Traders Cove and Bear Creek Provincial Park shortly after midnight.

Fire Information Officer Jason Luciw says the fire is about 20 hectares in size.  It started on the west side of the lake just after 10 p.m. and some campers were also told to leave the Bear Creek Provincial Campground.

"Fortunately, the fire has not caused any structural damage and no injuries have been reported at this time.  Winds remain calm, but they are picking up a little bit and the fire has started to move a little bit to the south."

"At this point, we have 106 homes evacuated and approximately 550 residents and visitors in the Trader's Cove, Bear Creek Service Road and Bear Creek Provincial Park areas," he adds.

The cause of the fire isn't known at this point.  Those who were evacuated have been moved to an emergency reception centre (at the Lions Community Hall) in the Westbank Town Centre.

If you're trying to get in touch with people who may have been evacuated, you can call 1.250.469 8513.

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