As temperatures rise across the region, fire crews are set to continue performing small-scale hand ignitions on the McDougall Creek wildfire this weekend. Their focus remains on cleaning up small brush near containment lines, although an increased estimate of the fire’s size is expected later today due to controlled burns conducted in recent days. No large-scale planned ignitions are scheduled for this weekend.
The McDougall Creek wildfire, which has been burning out of control in the hills above West Kelowna, has been estimated at 13,712 hectares in size over the past week. While crews have made good progress, the warmer weather this weekend could lead to an increase in fire activity.
Evan Lizotte, BC Wildfire Service fire information officer, commented, “We’ve been making some good progress, the last few days have been good, and the ignitions have been going well.” He also mentioned that tomorrow is expected to be the hottest and driest day of the week, which will test their firefighting efforts. However, they currently feel comfortable with the situation.
Crews are actively working in various areas of the wildfire, with particular attention given to the Powers Creek drainage on the western flank of the fire, which has not yet been affected.
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations has increased enforcement in the area to prevent access to the restricted zone around the fire. Boats are required to stay off the water north of the William R. Bennett Bridge to Fintry Provincial Park while firefighting operations are ongoing. The Emergency Act prohibits access to evacuation zones, and offenders can face arrest, charges, and substantial fines.
Some evacuees were allowed temporary access to their homes last week to retrieve important items. However, those who missed these opportunities will not be allowed to return until evacuation orders are lifted.
In the Bear Creeks/Rose Valley North and Raymer/Sail View Bay areas, residents have been unable to return temporarily due to an “unknown odor” in the area, with a hazard assessment ongoing.
Currently, there are 405 properties under evacuation orders due to the McDougall Creek fire, including 283 within RDCO Electoral Area West and 122 within the City of West Kelowna.
