Two of three wildfires in the region are classified as under control by BC Wildfire

Central Okanagan, B.C. – BC Wildfire has classified two of the three fires in the Central Okanagan as held and under control. The combination of rain, cooler temperatures and calmer winds have allowed the work of fire crews to continue and make headway in suppression efforts on the Lake Country and the Clifton/McKinley Wildfires. Property owners and residents are reminded however, that Evacuation Alerts in the area are still in place and have not been rescinded.  

While the Lake Country and the Clifton/McKinley Wildfires have been classified as under control by BC Wildfire, the McDougall Creek Wildfire is still classified as a Wildfire of Note and Out of Control. A Wildfire of Note means that the wildfire is highly visible or poses a potential threat to public safety. Out of Control means that the wildfire continues to spread and is not responding to suppression efforts.  

In the Powers Creek Drainage, the increased fire behaviour remains a concern and suppression efforts continue. BC Wildfire and West Kelowna Fire Rescue have been mobilized to respond to the increased activity. Yesterday, structure protection personnel completed a structural defense plan for the community of Glenrosa and three heavy equipment task force teams continue to work in the area.   

Those who live in the areas hardest hit by the McDougall Creek Wildfire will remain on Evacuation Order until it is confirmed that it is safe to return. The damage from the wildfire is extensive and the fire itself, which remains active, continues to pose a risk. Crews are monitoring the situation closely and emergency officials are continually coordinating efforts to accommodate any further Evacuation Orders and/or Alerts that may be needed as conditions change.  

Multiple local crews, supported by crews from BC Hydro and the Ministry of Transportation are working diligently to remove hazards, restore infrastructure and reduce fire risk to ensure areas are safe to return to. The McDougall Creek Wildfire caused significant damage to the electrical infrastructure in the area. BC Hydro has confirmed that about 27 kilometres of power lines, 359 poles and 66 pieces of other equipment will need to be replaced.  Dozens of additional personnel have arrived in the area, and BC Hydro will continue to send more resources as needed. With the additional support on the ground, work is expected to ramp up significantly in the coming days. 

The public is reminded, for their safety and that of fire crews, not to enter areas under an Evacuation Order. Many areas still exist where active firefighting is underway and ongoing dangers like downed power lines, hazardous materials, damaged trees, debris and equipment pose risks.   

As Evacuation Orders are downgraded, residents returning home can access frequently asked questions and other resources at cordemergency.ca to aid in a safe return.  Residents of properties on Evacuation Alert must continue to be prepared to leave properties at a moment's notice and be away from home for an extended period. 

Visit cordemergency.ca to stay up to date on the status of Evacuation Orders and Alerts, and to subscribe to e-updates. For more information, contact the information line at 250-469-8490 (local) or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free).