755 people visit Vernon reception centre as Bradley Creek wildfire destroys 230 homes

More than 755 people from 366 households have visited Vernon's Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place since the Bradley Creek wildfire forced evacuations on the Westside and in Spallumcheen, the City of Vernon reported Tuesday afternoon. An additional 685 individuals from 325 households have self-registered online.

At peak operations, the reception centre established 17 service stations providing one-on-one support, connecting evacuees with temporary shelter, clothing, food and emergency resources. Government-provided accommodation covers evacuees through August 9.

The Bradley Creek wildfire, which started Friday and exploded in size Saturday amid strong winds, has destroyed an estimated 230 homes on the Okanagan Indian Band Reserve. Evacuation orders for properties threatened by the Bradley Creek and Quilpituk wildfires along Westside Road were expanded Tuesday morning.

Highway 97 remains closed with traffic diverted at Old Kamloops Road; Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said this closure will persist for an extended period. Westside Road is also closed, with significant damage to electricity, telephone and internet infrastructure in the affected areas.

The reception centre operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kal Tire Place. One evacuee, Danny O'Grady from Lawrence Heights, was so moved by the support he received that he volunteered at the centre. "It's been second to none starting the minute you walk in this door," O'Grady said, noting that the Salvation Army, CanCo and other sponsors provided meals and supplies. He distributed meals during his shifts and encouraged other evacuees to persevere.