IMPORTANT UPDATES:

JULY 20, 2009 - The highway is expected to reopen tomorrow (July 21, 2009) at around 8am.

JULY 19, 2009 - We'd like to keep you in the loop in regards to recent events in Kelowna. As we have already received several inquiries, we would like to address your concerns.

As you all know, there have been several serious forest fires in and around Kelowna this week. We have received confirmation from UBCO that our plans with the university are not affected. The forest fires are on the other side of the lake from UBCO and they assure us the campus is not affected.

We have received word that the smoke is bad in Kelowna, so if you or any in your group have severe allergies or asthma, we would ask that you take any necessary precautions and research the best options for your situation.

As of today, the road closures are as follows:

• Highway 97C is closed in both directions heading into/out of Kelowna
• Highway 97 is closed in both directions between Peachland and Kelowna

Alternate routes:

• From the West: Detour via numbered routes to Kelowna area as follows: Merritt to Kelowna area use HWY 5 to Trans Canada HWY 1 to HWY 97 via the Monte Creek turn off at Kamloops.
• Those traveling from Alberta, should not encounter any problems.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: See updated road closures at www.drivebc.ca

As for flights, our most recent update is that flights in and out of Kelowna have not been affected.

Lastly, we’d ask that you pray for this situation!

Here’s a list of immediate prayer requests:

• For the firefighters and crews that are battling the blazes
• For the families and evacuees affected by the fires
• For those who have lost their homes or are in danger of losing their homes
• For those travelling in and around Kelowna, that they’d be kept safe
• For the weather and winds to cooperate with firefighting efforts
• For worried parents, family and friends of our youth
• For rain!

Leaders, we'd also ask you to forward this email to parents of your youth, so that they too are informed of the situation.

God’s richest blessings and protection as you set out for Kelowna this week!

LOUD Gathering Committee