Wilson91裸聊视频檚 Landing Fire Chief Paul Zydowicz says the McDougall Creek Wildfire continues to be a 91裸聊视频榥ightmare.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淭he force, speed, and intensity of the fire is unprecedented in our community. Two years ago as we worked the White Rock Lake fire we thought at the time that it was the biggest fire of our lives. It pales to what we just experienced.91裸聊视频�

During a regional wildfire update Thursday (Aug. 24), an emotional Zydowicz said 13 of his firefighters have lost their homes to the McDougall Creek fire.

91裸聊视频淥ur community has suffered an incredible blow, yet from the very first spark you showed up and fought this fire while your own homes were burning behind you. I have no words to describe the pride that I feel to be part of this team.91裸聊视频�

He also thanked Northwestside Fire Chief Ross Kotscherofski, Deputy Chief Shawn Barnes, and their crews for ongoing mutual aid. Zydowicz expressed his sorrow for everyone who has lost a home or property to the fire.

91裸聊视频淲hen I say we are with you, know that I mean it. We understand the pain and grief you are feeling because we are feeling it too.91裸聊视频�

As of yesterday (Aug. 23) those who have lost their homes, or sustained property damage, are able to access information on the . The site was offline briefly due to high demand.

91裸聊视频淔or some of you, yesterday brought relief, while for others the news was devastating,91裸聊视频� said Loyal Wooldridge, Regional District Okanagan (RDCO) chair.

I want to express my deepest condolences to each and every person who lost their home. Please know you re not alone in this, and as a regional community, we are there with you.91裸聊视频�

Wooldridge asked for patience as firefighters, emergency responders, EOC staff and emergency support services volunteers continue the work and recovery efforts that are still needed.

Kelowna Fire Chief Travis Whiting91裸聊视频檚 voice cracked ever so slightly as he was giving the news that with the Walroy Lake wildfire now classified as being held, all evacuated Kelowna residents will be returning home, hopefully by the end of the day.

91裸聊视频淭his is really exciting news. I can tell you at the fire hall the mood is very, very high and very, very positive this morning,91裸聊视频� Whiting said.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund cautioned residents they will see increased smoke in the Shannon Lake neighbourhood today as a result of hand ignitions by BC Wildfire crews to eliminate unburned fuel.

91裸聊视频淲e have one of the largest structural fire departments assembled at the base of that neighbourhood ready to protect the homes,91裸聊视频� he added. I91裸聊视频檓 not expecting to have to use it. Don91裸聊视频檛 be scared, don91裸聊视频檛 be worried when you see the smoke, see it as a sign of expert people doing good work.91裸聊视频�

Brolund addressed a question that many residents have been asking; 91裸聊视频榳hen do we get to go home?91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淚 don91裸聊视频檛 have a crystal ball to tell you that,91裸聊视频� he said. We need to make sure those areas are safe. I want to make it clear, we are still firefighting.91裸聊视频�

More wildfire evacuation downgrades are expected over the next few days for Central Okanagan residents.

- with files from Brendan Shykora-

READ MORE: PHOTOS: McDougall Creek wildfire damage in West Kelowna

READ MORE: 91裸聊视频業n my blood to fight91裸聊视频�: Shuswap residents tell why they defy fire evacuation

gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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