Fires in Cranbrook, Grand Forks, Kelowna, and Naramata - British Columbia, Canada

Update #1

Tuesday - August 19, 2003 - 10:00 p.m. West Coast Time

There are four fires in British Columbia that have necessitated evacuations and one hour alerts today. The fires are located in or near Cranbrook, Grand Forks, Kelowna, and Naramata, all in southern British Columbia. Noah's Wish currently has coordinators and volunteers at all four locations assisting with the evacuation of animals.

In Kelowna the team was involved in evacuating 150 finches and canaries from one location. There have also been cats, dogs, and horses that have been moved out of the path of the fire. All the smaller animals are being placed in veterinary clinics at this time in addition to Petcetra, a pet supply store in Kelowna. The large animals are being fostered at private residences. Noah's Wish has been in contact with the SPCA in Kelowna and the facility will be used if there is a significant increase in animals in need of a temporary place to stay.

Noah's Wish coordinators Vicki McDonald and Diana Miller were in Cranbrook today assessing the needs in that community. They have met with the SPCA and Noah's Wish is on alert should further evacuations become necessary. Vicki and Diana will be making contact with the SPCA in Grand Forks on Wednesday.

Fortunately, residents in these communities have had plenty of warning so a good number of the animals have already been evacuated. Where Noah's Wish will be able to assist is in coordinating locations where the animals can be housed temporarily in addition to other overall coordination.

Myself and Noah's Wish coordinator, Charlie Crosby, will be returning to Canada on Wednesday to provide relief to coordinators and volunteers who have been mobilized for the past week. Noah's Wish volunteer Susan Elfrank from Missouri, will be joining us.

Report submitted by: Terri Crisp - Director, Noah's Wish