Bald Range Wildfire update: Faulder, Meadow Valley, and Area

Hi everyone, this is an unofficial update from me and comes with a few caveats. First, this information can change at any time as the wildfire remains out of control. Second, I am not an emergency responder, so the following is my best understanding of a complex and dynamic situation (take it as such). Finally, elected officials do not have authority within an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). Therefore, this update has no authority, influence, or power over future EOC updates or BC Wildfire directives.

The Rapid Damage Assessments (RDAs) are nearing completion. They need to be reviewed and added to individual property files. Many of you know your property's status, but the EOC needs this verified information to develop re-entry or temporary access plans when an evacuation order is still in place. The evacuation order remains in Faulder, Meadow Valley, and area.

Two things happening now:

• Crews are active in the area removing hazard trees and fallen power lines. Roads must reach a level of readiness (so, not perfectly safe but "safe-enough") approved by the EOC and BC Wildfire before they can be open to the public. 

  
  

• The Summerland Landfill fire is a separate, growing problem. 

I know you have been in this nightmare since minute one. I'm attending daily meetings with the EOC pushing for a faster process and will continue to do so.   

ASK:

• Please call the EOC 250-490-4225 and provide your name, address, and phone number.  Please share this request with neighbours.  

• If you can, sign up for Voyent Alert (I like the app better than the email notifications). The EOC will use Voyent Alert to contact citizens first, then media/info releases, social media, and phone numbers. So, when a re-entry plan is approved or there is a change in what qualifies for temporary access, Voyent Alerts should go out to those property owners/residents first.

• Please complete a Temporary Access Permit application. If you can't access the permit online, let me know and I'll get copies printed.  

Thank you,

Riley