Photo: Central Okanagan Emergency Program
Due to the fire at the Glenmore Road and Union Avenue construction site earlier this week, an evacuation order for homes in the immediate vicinity was issued due to structural concerns from a crane.
At around 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening, a local emergency and evacuation order was issued for properties within 300 feet of the construction site.
“We’re working with the City of Kelowna, Emergency Management BC, Worksafe BC, the Kelowna Fire Department, and professional engineers to assess risk, determine the structural integrity of the crane, and resolve the situation as quickly as possible,” said Sandra Follack The Central Okanagan Regional District Emergency Scheme Coordinator said in a press release.
“Public safety is our top priority and we are working with the utmost caution to ensure the safety of our residents.”
Although the fire has been extinguished, the crane that remains on the construction site poses a potential structural risk. At this point it is not clear if it has been damaged.
Properties affected by the evacuation order include:
• Units 1 through 7, 115 Wyndham Cres.
• 129 Wyndham Cres.
• Units 123-131, 133 Wyndham Cres.
Due to the fire, Glenmore Road will be closed between Cross and Scenic Road, and Union Road will be closed between Wyndham Crescent and Valley Road.
Both sidewalks in Glenmore between Cross and Scenic are closed to pedestrian traffic, as are sidewalks in Union between Glenmore Road and Snowsell Street North.
Southbound traffic was diverted to Snowsell Street North and Scenic Road, while northbound traffic was diverted to Snowsell Street North and Valley Road.
These closures and detours will remain in effect until further notice and are indicated by signs.
“To ensure public safety, we urge the public to avoid restricted areas on and along Glenmore Road and to obey road and sidewalk closures, signs and detours,” said Lance Kayfish, Kelowna City Risk Manager.
“Further details and information will be provided as they become available.”
Photo: Al Rodgers
A large crane over a burned-out construction site can collapse and force an evacuation order
