Finlay Creek Wildfire
For general inquiries call the Summerland Fire Information Line at 250-486-3765.
For emergency assistance, call 9-1-1.
To read the Evacuation Alert for the north end of Garnet Valley, click here.
For more frequent status updates, please follow our Facebook page.
For information from the province on the Finlay Creek wildfire, please visit the BC Wildfire website.
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Updates
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 8:00am - Finlay Creek Wildfire Update - Summerland
Yesterday the BC Wildfire Service reported that the Finlay Creek Wildfire was 75% contained.
Due to the decreased fire activity, the District of Summerland will no longer make daily updates regarding the Finlay Creek fire unless conditions change. Information will be provided if fire activity increases. For up to date information from the BC Wildfire Service please see the link below. The BC Wildfire Service updates this information on a regular basis.
BC Wildfire Service - Wildfire News
Sunday, September 10, 2017 - 9:30 am Update
Last evening, the BC Wildfire Service reported that thanks to the hard work of crews from BC, Ontario and Quebec and strong support from equipment, helicopters and an Incident Management Team, the Finlay Creek
Wildfire is fire is now 50% contained. The Finlay Creek area received approximately one millimetre of precipitation, which is always helpful in assisting the crews.
This morning, the District of Summerland has rescinded the two evacuation orders that were issued for the Garnet Lake Area. These two properties are located at 35888 Garnet Valley Road and 951 Meadow Valley Road.
These properties are no longer threatened by imminent danger however remain under Evacuation Alert.
On Monday morning, work will resume on the Garnet Valley Water Separation project although work schedules will be modified to allow for alternating traffic at all times.
Garnet Valley Evacuation Alert Rescind for Sept 10 - List of Properties
Garnet Valley Evacuation Alert Rescind for Sept 9 - List of Properties
Saturday, September 9, 2017 - 4:30 pm Update
The Evacuation Alert for properties along Garnet Valley Road from Wildhorse Road and north has been rescinded. These properties are no longer under evacuation alert.
Summerland's Fire Chief, Glenn Noble, in consultation with the BC Wildfire Incident Commander, has stated that the containment lines on the Garnet Valley side of the fire are well established and holding.
Due to the change in weather, fire activity within those containment lines has been greatly reduced.
Garnet Valley Evacuation Alert Rescind for Sept 9 - List of Properties
Friday, September 8, 2017 - 7:00 pm Update
Please note that an incorrect story was published today by Castanet News which suggested that the Evacuation Alert for Garnet Valley had been lifted. This is NOT correct. The story has since been corrected but has led to confusion.
The Evacuation Alert in Summerland for Garnet Valley properties remains in effect.
The District of Summerland is currently assessing the Finlay Creek wildfire situation. If conditions remain unchanged, the alert for Garnet Valley might be lifted over the weekend, however it remains in effect at this time. Official notification will be made when and if the alert is lifted.
Friday, September 8, 2017 - 9:00 am Update
BC Wildfire Service reports that there has not been any significant change regarding the fire. Crews continue to build guard supported by helicopter bucketing. Successful controlled burning operations were conducted yesterday to bolster machine built guards. The weather remains hot and dry and the winds have been unpredictable therefore firefighting efforts are challenged -- but fire guards continue to hold.
The District of Summerland Fire Chief advises that there is no imminent risk of the fire spreading further into the District of Summerland municipal boundaries. The fire line is well established. The terrain in the west side of Garnet Valley makes firefighting efforts more challenging than that on the east side.
The District of Summerland wishes to express gratitude to the Naramata Fire Department which has been assisting with structural protection of the house under an evacuation order on the east side of Garnet Lake.
Summerland's evacuation alert for Garnet Valley Road north of Wildhorse remains in effect and is reassessed daily.
Crews and support personnel will be moving to the fire camp located at the Summerland Living Memorial ball park (Snow Ave) this evening. Additional resources continue to arrive to assist efforts.
The District of Summerland is working with the contractor for the Garnet Valley Road Water Separation project to determine what work can be completed while ensuring access at all times. It is hoped that more work can continue so that the completion of the project does not get delayed until next year. Information will be provided as soon as a plan is confirmed.
Thursday, September 7, 2017 - 8:30 am Update
There was no significant change in the wildfire activity yesterday and no additional threat to properties within the District of Summerland municipal boundary. BC Wildfire Service reports that the fire is 1300 hectares and remains out of control. It is 15% contained. Further updates will be made if conditions change during the day.
The BC Wildfire Service has published a Community Bulletin - Wildfire Update as of Wednesday evening, September 6, 2017. It can be viewed at Finlay Creek BC Wildfire Update - Information Bulletin September 6, 2017.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 - 8:15 am Update
District crews experienced a quiet night last night with no significant change in fire activity bordering the Summerland municipal boundary. No update has been received from BC Wildfire Service yet but they will update their Fires of Note website later this morning. That website can be reached at the link above.
There has been no change in properties affected by the evacuation alert and it remains in effect as a precautionary measure.
More information will be posted as updates become available from the BC Wildfire Service.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017 - 9:00 am Update
Preliminary reports this morning indicate that there was no significant growth on the fire overnight. BC Wildfire Service has reported that the actual size of the fire is less than originally reported at 1,500 hectares and is actually less than 1,000 hectares.
As reported yesterday, there will be an increase in firefighting activity within Summerland today. A large BC Wildfire Service basecamp will be set up in Living Memorial Park and additional machinery will be mobilized.
The Evacuation Alert remains in effect as a precautionary measure.
Access to Garnet Valley Road will be limited to personnel involved in firefighting activity and local traffic. Please be respectful and stay away from areas nearest the fire.
More information will be posted as it becomes available. Summerland Fire Information line is 250-486-3765.
Monday, September 4, 2017 - 7:00 pm Update
As expected, the District of Summerland has issued an Evacuation Alert for properties on Garnet Valley Road north of Wildhorse Road. Properties on Wildhorse Road are also included. The RCMP are issuing the Evacuation Alerts to properties affected door to door. The Evacuation Alert, updated mapping and list of addresses will be posted on the District of Summerland website Tuesday morning.
At this time, the Evacuation Alert is a precautionary measure. Residents should be taking appropriate measures in the case that fire activity escalates and an evacuation order is necessary. In the case of an evacuation order, residents may be required to leave quickly and be away for an extended period of time.
Residents affected by the Evacuation Alert are not required to register however questions can be directed to the Summerland Fire information line at 250-486-3765.
There was no substantial change to the Finlay Creek wildfire today and the BC Wildfire Service continues to actively fortify the area. Increased fire fighting activity will be noticeable in Summerland over the next few days as the BC Wildfire Services continues to bring additional fire fighting resources to the area. Water skimmers are active tonight. It is expected that a large BC Wildfire basecamp will be set up tomorrow at Living Memorial Park which will also increase the presence of the fire protection personnel in the community.
The Facebook page and District of Summerland website will be updated as conditions change.
Monday, September 4, 2017 - 1:00 pm Update
The District of Summerland will be issuing an Evacuation Alert for all properties along Garnet Valley Road from Wildhorse Road and north. This is an alert only and is being issued as a precautionary measure.
The fire activity on the northeast end of Garnet Lake has stabilized and dozed lines are in place. BC Wildfire Service is continuing to fortify this area. However, conditions can change rapidly and residents should be taking appropriate measures in the case it escalates.
A further update will be provided in the early evening or sooner if conditions change or new information is available.
The District is activating a Summerland Fire Information telephone line if residents/businesses have questions. The number will be available beginning at 6:00 pm today. The number to call is 250-486-3765 if you have questions.
For more information from the province on the Finlay Creek fire, please visit the BC Wildfire website.