UPDATE: Evacuation orders near Okanagan Lake Park rescinded

UPDATE: This morning properties on the west side of Highway 97 have been downgraded from an evacuation order to an evacuation alert.

Today, July 23, the District of Summerland said several evacuation alerts and orders have been rescinded as of 2:00 p.m.

The evacuation order on all properties along Garnet Valley Road north of and including Wild horse road, with 35888 Garnet Valley Road 2 being the only exception, have been downgraded to alerts.

Evacuation alerts have been rescinded on Bridgeman Road and along Garnet Valley Road between Jones Flat Road and Wildhorse Road.

Evacuation Alerts may need to be reissued if conditions change in which case the process will begin all over again.

This morning at about 9:15 a.m. the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen rescinded the evacuation order in Electoral Area “F” for five properties near Okanagan Lake Park north of Summerland.

While all of these properties remain on evacuation alert, residents are allowed to return.

A media release says the evacuation order has been rescinded for the following addresses:

• 660 Highway 97
• 625 Highway 97 West side
• 619 Highway 97 West side
• 608 Highway 97 West side
• 567 Highway 97 West side

The district also recommends to take precautions when re-entering your property, homes, and buildings as it may not look the way it did before you left.

You can visit B.C. Housing’s website for more information on placards.

If you can only enter your home once, remove valuables and take steps to secure your property. However if you’re safely able to return for longer officials advise to bring supplies like a flashlight, tools, drinking water, gloves, garbage bags and a first aid kit.

Walk around the perimeter of any structure before entering, noting electrical wiring, any gas smell or debris that could fall.

Enter with caution and check that the main power breaker is off. Only use generators outdoors; do not connect to a household circuit.

Note sewage and water damage; your septic system or sump pump may not work without power and water may not be drinkable.

Do not use your sewage disposal system unless you know it’s capable of handling waste.

If you use propane, gas or heating oil, contact suppliers for inspection and service.

Take pictures, keep track of your expenses and time spent cleaning up, and keep your receipts.

The Okanagan Lake Provincial Park and campground is operated by B.C. Parks. Campers should contact B.C. Parks for information on access and reservations. B.C. Parks information is available at 1-800-689-9025 or online at www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks.

For more information:

Go here for the latest evacuation orders and alerts from the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen.

Go here for the latest evacuation orders and alerts from the District of Summerland.

For the latest on road closures go to the Drive B.C. website here.

For the latest information on air quality go here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shelby Thevenot or call (250) 819-6089 or email the editor You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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