Kelowna wildfire prompts evacuation alert for hundreds of homes

KELOWNA (NEWS 1130) – A wildfire burning in Kelowna has forced the regional district to issue an evacuation alert.

Carla Weaden with Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says about 933 properties are covered by this alert.

“It broke out in a subdivision in Kelowna. It’s burning uphill now into one of our parks — it’s called Knox Mountain Park East.”

The BC Wildfire Service is assisting, and air support has also been called in to help battle this fire.

Weaden says the alert is a precautionary measure.

“I would say given the hot conditions and where it’s located is more the reason that we put it on as a precautionary measure,” she explains. “And it is burning uphill, so [we’re] wanting to make sure that nobody has to leave at this stage, but just wanting to make sure those people in that area — if it were to get worse — were ready to leave at a moment’s notice.”

The area the wildfire is burning in is currently hot and dry. Weaden adds the steep terrain adds to concern.

“Knox Mountain, of course, around the perimiter of the part is surrounded by homes.”

There’s no word on how large this fire is, or what caused it. It’s believed to have started around 1:30 p.m.