More evacuations expected as thousands remain on alert due to wildfire near West Kelowna, B.C.
Roughly 2,500 people have been ordered to flee their homes and more evacuations are expected as officials remain "gravely concerned" about a wildfire near West Kelowna, B.C.
The out-of-control McDougall Creek wildfire has grown to an estimated 1,100 hectares since being discovered Tuesday evening.
At a news conference called Thursday evening that was streamed live on Castanet.net local officials said orders cover roughly 1,000 properties. An additional 6,000 properties are on alert.
West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund said the evacuations have unfolded smoothly so far and that he expects the number of properties on order to grow overnight.
"I don't want people to panic but I also want people to take it seriously. If you haven't been evacuated yet and you're in an alert area – you need to prepare," he said.
An online map allows area residents to search by street address to determine if they are under an alert or order.
The situation remains volatile, Brolund explained. It is not safe for crews to fight it from the ground, and aerial crews can not work in the dark meaning the blaze's overnight growth is all but inevitable.
"I remain gravely concerned for the fire and where it's going and how it's going to threaten our community. Tonight is going to be a difficult night," he said.
"Our people are out there working hard. We're not giving up."
So far, there have been no structures lost, no damage to infrastructure and no injuries to firefighters, Brolund added.
The fire chief also said that overnight the fire's behavior is expected to be "dramatic" and that people can expect to see ash falling in their neighbourhoods, "huge flames" and firefighters on patrol. Falling embers are a concern, particularly due to current conditions.
Officials have warned that fire behaviour could be fast and unpredictable over the coming days, due to a mix of tinder-dry conditions exacerbated by the recent heat wave, forecasted gusting winds and dry lightning.
Speaking at a news conference Friday, Cliff Chapman of the B.C. Wildfire Service urged anyone who might normally be tempted to ignore evacuation orders that "now is not the time" to take chances.
"The weather is going to be erratic and significant," he said.
"When there is an evacuation order, we urge you to please leave. We will try to get you home as soon as we can."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Pack the macaroni necklace: Lessons on evacuations from a woman who fled one of Canada's worst wildfires
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
NEW 'Ugly produce': One way Canadians are shrinking rising grocery bills
As the cost of food in Canada has risen, grocery shoppers are looking at ways to reduce their grocery bill, and more are choosing price over beauty, turning to companies that deliver so-called 'misfit' produce at a fraction of the cost.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Father charged with second-degree murder in daughter's stabbing death
A father has been charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his 34-year-old daughter in southern Quebec.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.