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Nearly 60 structures confirmed lost or damaged in Central Okanagan wildfires

91ƵThank the firefighters that are out there kicking ass91Ƶ
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The McDougall Creek wildfire burns on the mountainside above a lakefront home, in West Kelowna, B.C., on Friday, August 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

At least 58 structures have been confirmed to have been lost or damaged in Central Okanagan wildfires, and that number is expected to climb.

91ƵI want to share some news that will cause many of you great relief, but I also acknowledge it will cause many of you ongoing and increased anguish,91Ƶ West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund said during a regional wildfire update on Monday (Aug. 21). 91ƵI can report today that we have a loss estimate for the neighbourhoods we have visited. It represents whole and partial losses, and we estimate there are approximately 50 structures.91Ƶ

Brolund did not say which neighbourhoods sustained those losses but added the Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge, Shannon Lake, Lenz Road, and Rose Valley communities have had no structural losses.

Canada Task Force 1, a heavy urban search and rescue unit, is conducting the property loss assessment.

91ƵWe are not done yet,91Ƶ said Brolund. 91ƵThe most damaged neighbourhoods are yet to come.91Ƶ

He also thanked the public for donations of food and beverages that are showing up at West Kelowna fire halls but noted it is becoming overwhelming and unsafe, and encouraged people to show their gratitude by writing a card or posting to social media.

91ƵThank the firefighters that are out there kicking ass,91Ƶ Brolund said. 91ƵContinue to bring your kids by the fire hall and teach them what it means to be a public servant.91Ƶ

READ MORE: Smokey with a chance of rain; West Kelowna McDougall Creek Wildfire update

In Kelowna, Fire Chief Travis Whiting confirmed that five homes have been lost in the Walroy Lake wildfire.

He said firefighters have been working hard to protect hundreds more homes.

91ƵIt91Ƶs long days and I want to pass on my deep appreciation to my crews out there today protecting this community and the crews doing those extra shifts.91Ƶ

Whiting said that there is currently no significant fire threat, but communities affected by the blaze need to be made safe before evacuees can return home.

91ƵI can tell you that it is one of the highest priorities for us to get people back into their homes and sleeping in their own beds as soon as we can.91Ƶ

READ MORE: No growth in Kelowna wildfire, but air quality hazardous

Lake Country Fire Chief Darren Lee reported destroyed and damaged structures in his community and also told a story of heroics.

91ƵThere was an engine crew from Ellison that saved a complete condominium complex on their own. I think they deserve huge credit for that.91Ƶ

READ MORE: No growth in Lake Country wildfire, air quality hazardous

At least three homes have been lost on the North Westside, according to Fire Chief Ross Kotscherofski, who added that the Wilson91Ƶs Landing department has been heavily impacted by the McDougall Creek blaze.

91ƵSeveral of these firefighters have confirmed that they no longer have a home,91Ƶ he added. 91ƵThey want to help their neighbours and they come from their hotel in Kelowna with nothing but a suitcase because that91Ƶs all that they have left. They show up every single day and have promised me they will continue to do so.91Ƶ

All the fire chiefs reported subdued wildfire activity in their communities over the past 24 hours with crews having made good progress and no structural losses over that time period.

Once Canada Task Force 1 has completed property loss assessments in West Kelowna, the team will move on to Kelowna and Lake Country.

Heavy smoke is still hampering firefighting efforts, including the ability to accurately map wildfires.

91ƵHopefully it will lift this afternoon,91Ƶ said Jerrad Schroeder, deputy manager with the Kamloops Fire Centre. 91ƵWe are expecting to continue to see these more seasonal temperatures in the mid-twenties and the humidity will be working as well in our favour.91Ƶ

Schroeder added winds are also expected to shift this afternoon and into tomorrow, but will not cause any of the Central Okanagan fires to spread.

91ƵIt is effectively another good day to fight fires.91Ƶ

READ MORE: Crater Creek wildfire near Keremeos grows 4,000 hectares overnight



gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com

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About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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