Evacuation order for Mabel Lake Forest Service Road downgraded to alert

Some North Okanagan residents who were forced to leave thier homes several weeks ago are now allowed to return.

An evacuation order issued for a portion of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road (Lumby Mabel Lake Road) due to the Bunting Road fire has been rescinded and downgraded to alert status by the Regional District of North Okanagan.

An evacuation alert now covers the 3,300 to 17,000 blocks of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, including the Cottonwoods properties.

An Evacuation Alert previously issued for the 3,300 to 6,000 block of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road remains in place. Residents must remain ready to leave their homes on short notice should fire conditions change.

An evacuation order may need to be re-issued and, if deemed necessary, the evacuation order process will re-commence.

(Image credit: RDNO)

The Bunting Road wildfire located 41 km northeast of Lumby was first noticed July 7, and is estimated at 4,734 hectares after merging with the Tsuius Creek wildfire.

It is still classified as out of control.

To ensure a safe homecoming to properties remaining on evacuation alert, residents should consider the following while preparing to return to their homes:
• Walk around the perimeter checking for electrical wires, the smell of gas or hanging debris
• Enter your home with caution and check that the main power breaker is off
• Do not use your sewage disposal system unless you know it is capable of handling waste
• Discard refrigerated food that has spoiled, as well as food that has been stored in a refrigerator that has lost power. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Discard frozen food that has thawed. If your freezer has been exposed to fire, or has been without power for more than 3 days, toss the contents entirely.
• Canned goods should be safe unless the can has bulged, rusted or is badly dented. Wash and disinfect all cans exposed to smoke. Food stored in glass jars and exposed to heat should be thrown out.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help for mental or psychological recovery. The BC Mental Health Support Line is open 24 hours a day at 310-6789 (no area code).
• If loss of property has been identified, call your insurance representative to start your claim.

Further information will be issued as updates are received from the BC Wildfire Service. RDNO residents are encouraged to visit www.rdno.ca, and the RDNO Facebook page for more information.

A detailed map of all evacuation alerts and orders in the area can be found at EmergencyMapBC.