Additional RCMP members flooding to Kelowna wildfire zone

The B.C. RCMP says more officers and personnel are on their way to wildfire zones in the Okanagan region in response to “escalating conditions.”

Mounties say folks in the Interior can expect to see a “notable influx” of personnel from various detachments around the province, along with specialized units.

“Our utmost priority is the safety and well-being of our communities. As additional officers arrive in the area, we urge everyone to exercise patience, listen to instructions from emergency personnel, and drive cautiously,” said Corp. James Grandy, spokesperson for the Southeast District RCMP.

Related Articles:

• Travel restrictions for Okanagan area due to wildfires: province

• Wildfire smoke triggers air quality statements for much of southern B.C.

• Crews fighting Kelowna-area wildfire see ‘cautious’ reprieve overnight: officials

  ---

Mounties say the personnel will be responsible for aiding evacuations, safeguarding evacuated areas, ensuring secure evacuation routes, and offering relief to local detachments.

It says RCMP officers will also be doing “proactive patrols … to deter any potential criminal activities.”

The notice of more officers comes as emergency service officials provided an update Saturday morning, where Kelowna RCMP Supt. Kara Triance described multiple reports of drone usage within wildfire areas.

“I’ve had multiple reports this morning through fire chiefs and our wildfire service, that there are drones flying through the emergency area here affecting our firefighting efforts,” Triance said.

“If a drone is in the area, you will ground a helicopter. We need that air space. It is illegal to fly a personal drone in an emergency situation where we are fighting fires.”

She also says community safety remains the RCMP’s main concern, urging people to comply with evacuation orders.

“Sending our law enforcement personnel and emergency response personnel back into evacuated ordered areas, to assist people to get out of areas, is a great risk to our officers and to first responders,” Triance explained.

“As of this morning we had two individuals trying to force their way back into two evacuated areas and they were escorted out of that area.”

She adds the Kelowna RCMP has not confirmed any reports of break-and-enters or looting in the region.

“We encourage everyone to report any continued suspicious activity. Some people are observing activity on their home security and we appreciate those calls. If you see something, say something. You can call 911 and we will actively respond. We rely on your cooperation,” she added.

In an update Saturday afternoon, Premier David Eby says there are about 35,000 people under an evacuation order in the province.