Madison Erhardt
UPDATE 12:15 pm
The shortage of accommodation for evacuees in the Central Okanagan has eased.
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Center spokeswoman Laura Wilson said they now have enough shelter for evacuees in the area.
She was unable to provide details of what has changed in the past 24 hours as emergency officials said Kelowna was “busy,” but it is likely that weekenders have now left the area. Other tourists have canceled hotel bookings following advice from the provincial government.
There was also an overwhelming response from the community.
“At this point, they don’t need any additional household support,” she said. “Sufficient accommodations have become available locally and we can support evacuees with local accommodations.”
Wilson said donations for evacuees can still be made to the Rutland Salvation Army at 200 Rutland Road. South.
“We are very grateful, the community is very generous and supportive, and we appreciate their support for the ESS volunteers.”
ORIGINAL 4 a.m.
With thousands displaced from their homes due to forest fires across the region, the community has come together to do their best to help.
According to Central Okanagan Emergency Operations, they have been inundated with calls from local residents asking how they can help those in need.
“Our ESS operates from Sutherland Avenue, so anyone there can donate items to the Salvation Army,” said EOC information officer Laura Wilson.
For those offering real estate, Wilson says it is best to turn to CORD. From there, CORD will connect the displaced with those who have a place to stay.
Doug Patton says he owns Big White property and hopes it can be of use to a family.
“We’re not there right now. We use it on weekends, but we don’t have to. I would prefer that someone use it who needs it. A sense of normalcy is extremely important for displaced persons, especially their families. So if you can be in a beautiful property and feel at home for a few weeks or as long as it takes, why not. “
“I can only imagine how a five-year-old living in a Walmart parking lot would feel.”
Wilson says the greatest help is making sure you’re ready to go anytime.
“We really need people who are prepared. It’s a volatile situation right now and we really need them to have a plan and have everything ready when they need to be evacuated. “
For the latest information on evacuation orders and warnings, visit cordemergency.ca.
