Homes destroyed by fast-moving wildfire as thousands ordered to evacuate in B.C.'s Okanagan

[Spazito]

Officials say a significant number of homes have been destroyed by a fast-burning, "unpredictable" wildfire in the West Kelowna area as crews fight through what the B.C. Wildfire Service has predicted will be the most challenging days of the province's fire season.

The extreme conditions in the area are not expected to let up over the next 36 hours, and fires across the province may see significant growth, provincial officials said at a news conference Friday afternoon.

More than 2,400 properties are under an evacuation order, and more than 4,800 properties are under an evacuation alert due to the encroaching McDougall Creek wildfire, which grew more than a hundredfold — from 64 hectares to 6,800 hectares (68 square kilometres) — in just 24 hours.

"It was a devastating night last night, probably the most challenging of my career," said West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund about the destructive fire. "We fought hard last night to protect our community.

"We fought 100 years worth of fires all in one night."

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https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/what-you-need-to-know-about-bc-wildfires-aug-18-2023-1.6940311

[bahboo]

1. spent a few days in Kelowna about 20 years ago...

absolutely loved it. We even considered moving there for a bit. The climate is changing so fast....hurricane/tropical storm headed here to SoCal....crazy....

[Spazito]

2. It really is crazy...

the weather has been so unpredictable, the fires are growing so rapidly, there is no doubt in my mind we are beginning to see, feel the very real effects of climate change.

[Bev54]

3. I have friends who evacuated last night.

They are doubtful their home survived. Went to her sister’s in Kelowna. They are now on alert again because the fire embers crossed the lake and the fire is coming down the hill near Glenmore Rd but more towards Lake Country. I was supposed to be at a celebration of life for a good friend who died last Nov but the kids wanted to celebrate at the lake cottage on West Sid Okanagan lake but down Vernon way. I couldn’t go because I am baby my grandkids this weekend but I don’t think it will happen as the fire has hit Fintry which is pretty close to the cottages. I think the first couple will head to Calgary as they have their grandkids from Edmonton but have to go southern route to get through to Alberta because if hwy closures

[Spazito]

4. I just watched the press conference and there are now...

15,000 people are under an evacuation order and 20,000 more under an evacuation alert in the Province. I am assuming most of them are from the Kelowna and surrounding area. The Premier had declared a State of Emergency.

I've been there many times in the past and enjoyed my visits. My heart goes out to those having to evacuate both in Kelowna/West Kelowna and in Yellowknife.

[Bev54]

5. Yes I feel sick for all of them, having lived in Vernon for 25 years, we were used to

fires every year and West Kelowna and West side of Okanagan Lake seem to be hit every year. 2 years ago a bunch of the kids (my son's friends (38-40 but kids to me) had to take boats across to help save the cottages and here we are again. I just hope nobody loses their life, the property can be rebuilt, it always has been but I don't remember anyone losing their lives so let's hope that holds.

[3Hotdogs]

6. Where do they evacuate to?