Winds Expected to Be Light Near Kelowna Fire

By 250 News

The scene this morning as smoke from  wildfires  drifts over Kelowna (photo courtesy Kelly Hayes - www.Castanet.net)

Prince George, B.C. - 17,000 people are on evacuation alert as the forest fire in the Kelowna area grew to an estimated 300 hectares overnight.

An estimated 10,000 people already have left their homes after the fire broke out at 3:00p.m. Saturday quickly spreading and destroying two (updated) private homes. For more information on evacuations please call 1-250-469-8490. Among the  evacuees, West Kelowna Mayor Mayor  Doug Findlater is amonog the thousands who have  registered at  Royal LePage Place "I was there last night along with my family even though we have a place to stay.  If you have a place to stay,  please,  register at the Royal LePage Place as that way friends and relatives will know  you are accounted for and o.k."   Anyone separated from family members or friends can call (778)797-2269

(at right, the overnight glow from the fires, photo courtesy Kelly Hayes - www.castanet.net)

The fire has now expanded into two areas, Rose Valley about five kilometres from the original Glenrosa blaze, that fire is  estimated at 45 hectares in size more than 400 homes  threatened. The wildfire near Terrace Mountain at Fintry, is now estimated at 100 hectares in size and has 40 fire fighters, four helicopters and heavy equipment on site. There are no structures threatened by this fire.

Working in unified command with the West Kelowna fire department, the BC Forest Service’s resources on site include 45 fire fighters, 7 helicopters, several pieces of heavy equipment, water tenders and air tankers. Another 80 BC Forest Service fire fighters are on route to the fire this morning. Fire investigators will return to the site today, and a Type 1 Incident Management Team, as well as Structural Protection Units, are also on route to the fire.

There are road closures in the vicinity of the wildfire, and for more information please contact the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure by calling 1-800-550-4997 or visiting www.drivebc.ca.

Highway 97 remains closed in both directions out of West Kelowna.

Forest Minister Pat Bell says this fire has the potential to be a devastating fire. So far the only good news has been that no one has been hurt and that the winds were light overnight.  The wind is expected to pick up today in the tinder dry area which is expected to see temperatures in the 27-28 degree range today.

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