Amid the devastation of wildfires on both sides of Okanagan Lake, West Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 fire chief is convinced his city, Kelowna, and Lake Country will recover and emerge stronger.
91裸聊视频楾his event will leave a long-lasting scar on the community,91裸聊视频� said Jason Brolund during a regional update on the wildfire situation in the Central Okanagan. 91裸聊视频淚 have already seen how the community is coming together. A lot of good work is being done. We are an army out there.91裸聊视频�
Brolund noted that 41 departments across B.C. have sent personnel and equipment to help fight fires in the Central Okanagan.
91裸聊视频淗ow do I begin to thank all of those fire chiefs? I will find a way to pay you back.91裸聊视频�
READ MORE: Community leaders urge calm and patience as crews battle Okanagan wildfires
Brolund said several structures were lost Friday (Aug. 19), but didn91裸聊视频檛 provide an exact number. He added that a dedicated team will soon begin the process of determining property losses.
91裸聊视频淢any of these areas still aren91裸聊视频檛 safe,91裸聊视频� he explained. 91裸聊视频淔ires are still burning in many areas.91裸聊视频�
Brolund also addressed property owners who want to know when they can go home.
91裸聊视频淭he answer there is that we don91裸聊视频檛 know. I know it91裸聊视频檚 difficult to be out. Many of my firefighters, including myself and my family, are also out. As soon as we know we will provide that information.91裸聊视频�
Brolund said crews also saved the almost complete Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant. The $75 million facility is expected to go online this fall.
91裸聊视频淲e were not going to let it burn down,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淭he fire burned over it, and it91裸聊视频檚 not damaged.91裸聊视频�
Additionally, he recounted a story of crews trying to put out fires at three homes, all next to each other, with the flames threatening dozens more above them.
91裸聊视频淲e had fire crews on the ground and BC Wildfire from the air. This is unprecedented91裸聊视频t91裸聊视频檚 amazing and a prime example of what91裸聊视频檚 happening out there.91裸聊视频�
READ MORE: Evacuation order issued for Sorrento/Skimikin areas in the Shuswap
Kelowna Fire Chief Travis Whiting said crews continue to work hard on the Walroy Lake wildfire.
91裸聊视频淲e still have a significant amount of fire activity, but we are dug in deep. Our crews are doing what they can to protect communities.91裸聊视频�
Whiting said several structures were burned yesterday in the Wilden neighbourhood, but did not provide a specific number.
91裸聊视频淲e need a better assessment, and to talk to homeowners first, so that we can speak accurately. We have been successful in protecting other homes.91裸聊视频�
Whiting added that there was also significant fire activity and response in Lake Country overnight.
North Westside Fire Chief Ross Kotscherofski said his department is doing everything it can to suppress aggressive fire behaviour.
91裸聊视频淚 know it91裸聊视频檚 been a trying time for everyone, especially those who have been evacuated,91裸聊视频� added. 91裸聊视频淲e will do our best to get you back into your communities and back into your homes.91裸聊视频�
A cold front, which lowered temperatures in the Southern Interior, has since passed but its effects are still being felt said Jerrad Schroeder, deputy fire manager with the Kamloops Fire Centre.
91裸聊视频淲e still have critically dry conditions and difficult days ahead.91裸聊视频�
He added that smokey conditions linger, causing limited visibility for aircrews.
91裸聊视频淎ir resources will continue to fly as long as it is safe to do so. Out-of-province resources continue to arrive. We have excellent cooperation from all agencies involved in the fight and we are trying to save and protect as much as we can.91裸聊视频�
According to Central Okanagan Emergency Operations, approximately 10,700 properties are under evacuation order and a further 9,500 are on alert.
READ MORE: Cooler temperature, no rain in Okanagan weather forecast
jordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com
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