Don't go boating as the wildfire rages, urges West Kelowna marina

Don't go boating and stay away from the marina.

That's what Shelter Bay Marina is telling the owners of the 450 boats that are docked at the facility at the west end of the Bennett Bridge.

As the McDougall Creek wildfire rages north of West Kelowna, Shelter Bay is making this plea to its members.

Its message to members reads:

"Good afternoon, Shelter Bay Marina members:

It is with sadness that we observe the state of emergency in West Kelowna and the surrounding areas.

Out of an abundance of caution we would kindly ask our members not leave the marina basin (in their boat) while the firefight is underway.

We wish our firefighters and emergency personnel well and thank them for all their efforts.

Due to the present evacuation alerts and orders, we anticipate heavy traffic on the bridge and surrounding highway and ask that members only come to the marina if necessary to allow residents and emergency vehicles to travel safely in these areas.

The Gas Dock will be closed at this time.

We expect to see ash and debris if the winds are not in our favor and ask for our moorage members to come and check on their vessels over the coming days when it is safe to do so.

We hope everyone stays safe during this uncertain time."

The McDougall Creek blaze now covers 300 hectares, evacuation orders have been issued for 68 properties on Bear Creek, Rose Valley, Petterson, Dougmac, Smith Creek and Dixie roads.

Evacuation alerts have been issued for 6.620 other properties in the area where more than 11,000 people live.

They've been told to be ready to leave their homes on very short notice, if the alert escalates to an order.