West Kelowna structural losses confirmed by Okanagan emergency operations

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations is confirming some “structural losses” in West Kelowna early Friday morning, as firefighters continue to work hard to protect property and lives against the massive McDougall Creek wildfire.

In an update posted online just before 2:30 a.m., the COEO says the “fire remains very active and unpredictable,” and a full assessment will come later Friday. Regional District Board Loyal Wooldridge says “significant” losses occurred overnight.

“Despite heroic efforts, significant structure loss has occurred throughout the evening of August 17,” Wooldridge explained.

Firefighters continue to work diligently overnight on interface areas of the McDougall Creek to protect property and infrastructure in West Kelowna. The fire remains very active and unpredictable.

For more information visit: https://t.co/gq644CeqbL pic.twitter.com/x6txBGEZQm

— Central Ok Emergency (@CO_Emerg) August 18, 2023

Fire just jumped the lake from West Kelowna to North Kelowna.

Pray for us, we’re surrounded. pic.twitter.com/YXmx085zYA

— A Fairy Pot Mother (@mannipz) August 18, 2023

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund shared in a regional update that upwards of 80 firefighters were working on protecting structures through the night, and despite the significant losses, critical infrastructure was saved.

“The firefighters battled hard to protect critical infrastructure in the Rose Valley neighborhood. That includes the fire hall, the school, the chlorinator, the dam, and most significantly, the brand-new Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant,” he said.

Brolund described a terrifying night for West Kelowna residents and firefighting crews, saying the night of firefighting was “100 years of firefighting all at once, in one night.”

“We fought hard last night to protect our community,” he said. “We fought 100 years’ worth of fires, all in all in one night.”

Brolund says officials are unable to confirm the number or type of losses, as crews’ priorities Friday are protecting life and knocking down the fire.

“There are homes burning out there right now and there are homes at risk and we’re gonna do our best to stop that,” he said.

As of Friday morning, more than 2,460 properties are under an evacuation order, with a further 4,800 properties under an evacuation alert.

“All current orders and alerts remain in place and the public are reminded to stay out of the evacuation area as they are active fire zones,” the CEOE said.

Evacuations ordered for thousands of people in West Kelowna #BritishColumbia pic.twitter.com/7ECE0DLMQu

— Kristo (@Kristo40137756) August 18, 2023

The structural losses come as the McDougall Wildfire jumped across the Okanagan Lake late Thursday night, moving from West Kelowna and sparking up in Kelowna proper.

Data from the BC Wildfire Service shows two new fires in Kelowna — one that was discovered at 9:55 p.m., and another that was discovered at 10:46 p.m.

Related Articles:

• Raging wildfire jumps Okanagan Lake to Kelowna, state of emergency declared

• Wildfire near West Kelowna could put critical infrastructure at risk: MP

• ‘Most challenging 24-48 hours’: B.C. expecting many new wildfires as dry lightning to come

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The out-of-control wildfire is estimated to be burning at 6,800 hectares in size and has prompted evacuation orders and alerts on the west side of the lake. A local state of emergency is in place for Kelowna, Lake Country, and the Westbank First Nation.

–With files from James Paracy