September 7, 2003
As you can tell, I haven't been updating the site as much I used to.
Mum & Dad are well into the start of their rebuilding phase. Mum
is already working with home designers and contractors have already
been hired. They have rented the main floor of a house in downtown Kelowna
for the interim period and are quite happy with things so far.
Tuesday, August 26
This photo made it into yesterday's Globe & Mail, the Calgary Sun,
and the Calgary Herald:
This photo depicts what remains of our dock, and boat lift. Apparently,
it looks like the boat and Bumpa's boatlift made it through the fire
pretty much unscathed. Even the roof survived. And apparently, the flag
at the top of the flagpole didn't burn (although the flag and kite that
were below it on the pole did burn.)The rest of the dock and adjoining
decks are gone, except for the cribs that supported the old dock. The
boatlift is truly a tribute to Bumpa's ingenuity & hard work!
This is the first image of our place that I've seen. It's pretty close
to what I imagined it would have looked like. Anything metal or stone
remained. Anything wood burned. I wonder if we'll build upon the ruins
of the old dock yet again! Dad's rebuilt the dock numerous times due
to the big storms that rip through the valley now and then. But this
rebuild will be quite a bit more extensive than previous ones.
Sunday, August 24, 10am update
Morning Update From The Emergency Operations Centre (Today
8:40 am)
Cooler temperatures and calm winds overnight helped firefighters clean
up hot spots and push the fire back. Exhausted but hopeful firefighters
are reporting that the wind is now pushing the fire back on itself.
This is aiding their efforts to control the fire's encroachment on the
City of Kelowna city limits. Fire guards are presently being constructed
to allow a back burn on the east side of the fire.
At 8:20 a.m. on Saturday night the Fire Commissioner's office issued
an Evacuation Order Rescind for the residents living north and on Highway
33 East. The area includes the upper Rutland bench, Joe Rich/Ellison
and the Postill Lake area. Residents are allowed to return to their
homes this morning, but will remain on Evacuation Alert, meaning they
must continue to be ready to evacuate if the fire behaviour changes.
Residents living south of Highway 33 will not be allowed home at this
time.
There have been no additional changes to the Evacuation Orders and
Evacuation Alerts issued by the Fire Commissioner earlier this week.
The Fire Commissioner is presently reviewing the fire position and assessing
the safety impacts to each neighbourhood. If any Evacuation Orders or
Alerts change of if day passes will be issued, residents will be notified
immediately through the media.
Low Winds , Cool Conditions Aid Fire Fighting Efforts Overnight
(Today 8:35 am)
The Okanagan Mountain Park fire seems to be moving up the hill in the
North east corner. But heavy smoke in the valley is making it difficult
to get an accurate picture this morning. One of the Information Officers
at the Kelowna Operations Centre says there were couple of flare ups
overnight in the South Ridge and Frost Road area. Bruce Smith says fire
crews have been working through the night putting out spot fires and
are now building a fire guard behind the June Springs Road area. That
guard where the fire is slowly advancing, is between the subdivision
and the main power line to Kelowna. The weather has been a lot cooler
overnight which is good for fire crews and those evacuated from their
homes. The more favourable conditions mean some residents will be able
to return to their homes after the lifting of an evacuation order last
night. Smith cautions though that residents are still on alert and advises
them to not unpack everything yet.
Meanwhile Smith says the fire on the Westside is contained but still
burning. Westside fire crews are at the Riverside log area on Bear Creek
Main logging road, where the fire broke out about 2:30 Saturday afternoon.
Smoke was very visible from Kelowna Saturday afternoon and evening.
A helicopter with a water bucket and a water bomber were used to fight
the blaze. Crews are optimistic they will be able to put it out.
Today's Forecast (Today 6:43 am)
Forecast 5 am. Sunny with cloudy periods. Wind light becoming west 10
to 15 km/h this afternoon. Local smoke dissipating this morning. High
25. Tonight - Cloudy periods. Wind light. Local smoke. Low 8. Tuesday
has 30% chance of showers. Poor air quality this morning.
Information for Property Owners Who Believe Their Homes Were
Damaged Friday Night By The Okanagan Mountain Fire. (Saturday 9:38 pm)
An information meeting has now been arranged for residents
who believe their properties were damaged in the wildfire which swept
through the south end of the City Friday night.
The meeting will be held Sunday August 24th at 1:30 pm in Trinity Baptist
Church, 1905 Springfield Road (the corner of Springfield and Spall).
Out of respect for property owners, this meeting is only open to accredited
residents and is closed to the media.
Identification will be required for access to the meeting. Only those
property owners living on the following streets will be allowed inside
the meeting:
Okaview/Chute Lake Rd. (range of addresses affected)
Chute Lake Rd. (5127-5399)
Cobble Cr. (5160-5170)
Curlew Ct.
Curlew Dr. (445-461, odd street numbers only) (500-565 even and odd)
Frost Rd. (5030-5110)
Kildeer Rd.
Lark St. (all)
Okaview Rd.
Renwick Ct. (all)
Sandpiper St.
Shiela Cr.
Stellar Dr. (even #s)
Tulameen Rd. (odd#s)
Trumpeter Rd.
Uplands Dr. (odd #s)
Viewcrest Ct. (odd #s)
Viewcrest Rd.
Crawford
Canyon Ridge Cr. (all)
Canyon Ridge Ct. (all)
Mid Ridge Ct. (all)
Parkridge Pl. (all)
Parkridge Dr. (4775-4847)
Stewart Rd. E. (4640-4710)
Stewart Rd. W. (4665-4820)
Westridge Dr. (Westridge Ct. to Stewart Rd. W.)
Woodridge Rd. (all)
Woodridge Ct. (all)
Swick/Rimrock
Rimrock Ct.
Rimrock Rd.
Swick Rd.
Timberline Rd.
South Lakeshore
Lakeshore Rd. (5325-5335)
Lakeshore Rd. (5508-5560)
Staff from both the City of Kelowna and Regional District has been
working hard to provide as much information as quickly as possible to
assist residents living in areas affected by last night’s fire.
Saturday, August 23, 2pm update
Just talked to my parents & brother in Kelowna. On a TV broadcast
in Kelowna (CHBC I think), by total weirdo fluke, the news crew walked
through OUR PROPERTY.
Jason described what it looked like to me on the video. The dock cribs
were still there. Bumpa's boat lift was still there. All the decking
on the dock was gone. The neighbours "canoe house" is gone.
The chimney of our house was still standing tall. Bumpa's concrete stairway
coming down from the parking pad to where the house was, is still intact.
Mum is mad that the damn chestnut tree beside bumpa's stairway didn't
burn up (too much moisture in that tree I guess). The old metal gate
that used to close off the pathway down to the dock remained. Hopefully
we'll get a copy of the video somehow. Freaky that they decided to walk
through our property.
Anyways, Mum & Dad & Jason seem to be really upbeat. For Mum
& Dad, the waiting is over and they are eager to rebuild (insurance
is a fabulous thing). Jason & Samantha are still wondering if they'll
be able to return to their house on Black Mtn. Mum & Dad were going
to stay with them now rather than going to Dawn & Greg's (mum &
dad's neighbours The Gibeault's (sp?) are good friends with Dawn &
Greg and have no place else to go.
I will continue to monitor the Black Mtn. situation as much as I can.
But my "coverage" of this event will likely be winding down
somewhat since my family's involvement is pretty much concluded now.
My prayers and best wishes to everyone in Kelowna. May the winds blow
the fire back onto itself and snuff it out.
Saturday, August 23, 11am update
08/23/2003
Emergency Operations Center Update 7:45 am
URGENT REQUESTS
Please stay off the telephone lines unless it is extremely urgent. All
circuits are overloaded and emergency personnel can not able to access
free lines. The 9-1-1 Emergency Line is jammed. Anyone needing an ambulance
and not able to get through by calling 9-1-1 should call 860-0054
After an evening of massive evacuations and fierce fire fighting the
scene of the Okanagan Mountain Park fire is quieter this morning. Fresh
teams of firefighters are arriving from all parts of British Columbia
and Alberta to assist with the efforts. The BC Ambulance Service reports
there were four firefighters treated and released for fire related minor
injuries such as smoke inhalation, cuts and debris from the fire in
an eye. There were no serious or life-threatening injuries which is
remarkable considering the ferocious nature of the fire.
The weather conditions early this a.m. appear to be favorable to the
fire fighting effort. There is little wind and smoke is hanging close
to the fire area. No flames are visible along the southern line, which
is shrouded in smoke.
Officials from the Kelowna Fire Department and BC Fire Commissioners
Office are touring the areas affected by the fire last night, preparing
an accurate assessment of the number of homes that have been saved and
the number that couldn’t be saved from the rapidly advancing fire,
which was fanned by winds associated with a thunderstorm cell which
passed through the area. Rough and unofficial estimates by fire fighters
on the scene suggest up to 300 homes may be lost.
Evacuees: With the exodus of an estimated 20,000 people last night,
evacuees are strongly urged to make sure that at least one member of
their family registers today with Emergency Social Services. Many people
are reported to have taken motels out of town, for example in Kamloops.
Residents who hadn’t made their own arrangements for accommodation
spent the night in Skyreach Place, Trinity Baptist Church, Kelowna Secondary
School and the Parkinson Recreation Centre. Some are also being housed
at the Vernon Recreation Complex.
The BC Ambulance Service advises that the transfer of more than 100
residents from the Sutherland Hills Rest Home went smoothly in conjunction
with officials from the Interior Health Authority and the Handi-Dart
bus service. Five residents were transferred in three ambulances, while
the remaining 97 residents were driven in IHA and Handi-dart vehicles.
They were taken to the Gateby Intermediate Care facility and the Alexander
wing of Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
Saturday, August 23, 8:20am update
7:14am Castanet's Nick Frost is currently in an airplane
surveying fire damage. Fire near Summerland/Penticton looks dramatic.
Mist is rising from Okanagan Mountain park burn areas near Rattlesnake
Island. Amazingly, scattered trees and green space remain. Hardly any
traffic on city roads/connector. Looks quiet at Naramata. Active fire
area is benchland behind Kelowna. Fire doesn't seem to have such a heart
to it today. Less furious smoke today than yesterday. Big white house
still stands. Homes along Mission Lakeshore look fine.
Damage area is Kettle Valley and Okaview. Can't see Crawford. 7:14 am
Does this mean there's a chance mum &
dad's house may be OK? Doubtful. Waiting for confirmation.
Saturday, August 23, 7:30am update
7am Kelowna time - Castanet's Nick Frost is currently in an
airplane surveying fire damage. Cedar Creek Winery and Summerhill
Wineries are intact. Okaview above Lakeshore and Kettle Valley appear
to be hit very hard. Fire from the air looks reduced since this time
yesterday. Much less smoke compared to yesterday. Main fire has moved
east behind Kelowna. Current conditions are Clear skies. Wind coming
from SW.
Morning Recap - One Third of Population Evacuated Today - 6:07
am
A massive wildfire burning in British Columbia's southern interior has
forced one-third of Kelowna's population from their homes and placed
more on alert.
Kelowna RCMP continue to maintain roadblocks in and around our city
and patrol the areas that have been evacuated. Staff Sergeant Phil Boisenault
says it as extremely busy Friday night with the mass evacuation taking
place. Boisenault says they are having a real problem with people refusing
to obey evacuation orders. He says that ties up police resources because
they have to go back into the neighbourhoods and explain the legal ramifications
of their actions. Boisenault says the action is placing other people's
property at risk. He says police should be concentrating on patrolling
evacuated neighbourhoods and attending to other emergencies.
Meanwhile fire crews are still monitoring fires all over the southern
end of Kelowna. A number of structures have been lost overnight but
we won't get a firm count until a press conference later this morning.
The fire department says it has calmed down this morning. But crews
are still overhauling areas that previously were on fire. The Emergency
Operations Centre scales down to a skeleton crew overnight but should
now be gearing up for another tough day.
Friday, August 22, 11:30pm
Well, it's over. And we lost. A firestorm with 60-70km/h winds broke
through the Bertram Creek firebreak and consumed houses between Bertram
Creek Park and up to but not including Cedar Creek Winery or the Fitzpatrick's
place. A natural firebreak at the "washout" at the top of
the hill by our house prevented the fire from getting any farther. Also,
the winery built massive firebreaks and successfully stopped the flames
from getting past.
Dad is 99% sure that their house is gone. The place where they were
going to stay during rebuilding has now also been evacuated. Jason &
Samantha's house has also been evacuated and they are staying at Steve
& Gerry's place downtown.
Here's the latest update:
Okanagan Mountain Park Fire Update - 9:45pm Kelowna time
Captain Len Moody of the Kelowna Fire Department addressed officials
in the Emergency Operations Centre at 9:45 tonight on efforts to battle
the Okanagan Mountain Fire.
In his words the fire is a “war zone”, a firestorm category
six. Firefighters are battling walls of flame 400 feet high. With wind
gusts of 60 to 70 km. per hour pushing the fire at 100 metres per minute
tonight, Captain Moody feels fortunate no lives were lost. In two instances
firefighters were trapped with flames all around and through the efforts
of their colleagues battled their way out.
Homes have been lost between Kettle Valley and Lakeshore Road. More
details will be provided as they become available.
Plans are being finalized on the massive job of housing 30,000 people
now out of their homes. People who can stay with friends and family
are asked to do so. Those who have no other place to stay and require
information on temporary accommodation may call the Public Information
Line at 869-0386, or they may go to either the Parkinson Recreation
Centre or Kelowna Secondary School on Raymer Avenue.
Skyreach Place on Water Street and Trinity Baptist Church on Springfield
at Spall are both open to accept evacuees who have no accommodation
arrangements. For anyone traveling north the Vernon Recreation Complex
at 3310 37th Avenue is also open for evacuee assistance.
Three thousand people in Kelowna are on Evacuation Alert.
Friday, August 22, 7:30am
[QR77 news radio report]
Of the homes on Rimrock / Timberline Roads, 20-25 were lost, 10 are
still standing. All homes on Lakeshore and Swick Road are still standing.
Fire Has Calmed Overnight 6:25 am
The Okanagan Mountain Park fire has calmed within City limits over the
night. 22 teams of firefighters from Kelowna, the Regional District,
Vernon, Lumby, Enderby, Summerland, Chemainus, Okanagan Falls, Keremeos,
Kamloops, Courtney, North Vancouver and Vancouver have been working
through the night to ensure the fire guard surrounding the evacuated
areas is not breached any further. The secondary fire guard is continuing
to hold.
The Evacuation Orders and Alerts that were ordered last night remain
in place. For those evacuees who have not registered at the Parkinson
Recreation Centre or Kelowna Secondary School (1079 Raymer Avenue),
officials ask that you do so today. It is required if you are in need
of services such as food, clothing, or lodging. It will also assist
family or friends who may be concerned for the safety of the evacuees.
If your last name begins with the letters A-K, please proceed to Parkinson
Rec. Centre, if your last name begins with the letters L-Z, you are
to register at the new Kelowna Senior Secondary.
Later this morning, the Fire Commissioner and BC Forestry Services
will be assessing the front-line fire and any changes made overnight.
Updates will be made when information becomes available.
Friday, August 22, 7:18am
News Release No. 16 (from Emergency Operations Centre)
Date: Friday August 22, 2003
Time: 3:30 a.m.
PUBLIC INFO LINE: 869-0386
RECEPTION CENTRE: 762-8646
PROVINCIAL INFO LINE: 1-800-311-7044
_______________________________________________
OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN PARK FIRE
UPDATE 3:30 AM FRIDAY August 22, 2003
PLEASE NOTE THE RECEPTION CENTRE NUMBER HAS CHANGED TO 762-8646
- At approximately 7:30 p.m. Thursday night the Okanagan Mountain
fire broke through the fire break at Rimrock Court and started to
advance on to Belcarra Estates. Fire crews were immediately dispatched
to battle the flames. At 10:30 p.m.
it was reported that a number of homes were lost on Timberline Road,
Rimrock Road and Rimrock Court.
No homes were believed to be lost on Lakeshore or Swick Roads.
- At 9:30 p.m. a full evacuation order was issued for all the 1050
homes south of Chute Lake Road. Evacuees were directed to register
at Parkinson Recreation Centre and Kelowna Secondary School.
- Although residents in the South east Kelowna area had not been on
an Evacuation Advisory, rapid expansion of the fire required a full
Evacuation Order to be issued for the area. At 11:00 p.m. the Crawford
Estates and Gallagher's Canyon area residents were also placed on
full Evacuation Order and approximately 2000 residents living south
of Mission Creek were given an Evacuation Advisory as hot embers were
being blown into the area.
- The evacuation of the 3800 homes progressed smoothly. 100 RCMP and
21 City of Kelowna by-law officers ensured the evacuees safely left
their homes and proceeded to the registration centres at Parkinson
Recreation Centre and Kelowna Secondary School.
- The RCMP presently have seven road blocks in place to ensure no
entry to any of the evacuated areas.
- As of 3 a.m. fire fighting crews are continuing to fight fires on
Swick Road and at Belcarra Estates. The secondary fire guard built
by City of Kelowna crews earlier today is successfully holding the
fire back. Crews are also doing some back burning to reduce fuel for
the fire. A total of 21 firefighting crews are presently deployed,
16 of which are from out of town.
- Anyone needing more information on evacuation procedures and evacuees
should contact the Emergency Reception Centres (located at the Parkinson
Recreation Centre and Kelowna Secondary School) at 762-8646 or 762-7969.
- A Provincial Emergency Information Line is also available: 1-800-311-7044.
Friday, August 22, 7:10am
20-25 homes destroyed. 6:02 am No specific information on which ones.
Reports indicate they are homes on / around Rimrock & Timberline
Roads. Not sure if Mum & Dad's house made it through the night or
not.
Friday, August 22, 6:30am
News Update
UPDATED AUG 22 1:51
Keeping you up to date on the fire situation... While South Okanagan
are breathing a little easier... literally... It's absolute chaos at
the end of lakeshore road in Kelowna's Mission area. We don't have an
official size of the Okanagan Mountain Park fire but we do know it has
spread tonight at the north end and into Kelowna.
Homes on Rimrock road and Timberline have been lost but we can't confirm
how many.
That means the fire has spread at least a few kilometres. Earlier this
evening, 1060 homes which were previously on alert were evacuated...
Then shortly before 11 o'clock, another 1700 families were told to leave
their homes.
To put that in other words, we're looking at a total of about 10,000
(ten thousand) people who are in the process of evacuating. There are
two emergency centres in place now and they are registering people as
they come in and finding places to lodge them... Billets, Churches,
and businesses are all getting involved in this effort. The Grand Okanagan
hotel has set up over a hundred cots as well.
So that's the situation tonight... Winds have died down in the South
Okanagan and while Naramata residents are on alert, thousands of residents
In Kelowna have left their homes... and some of them will never be returning
to them.
Other news...
Karen Cairns - Confirmation that a few homes have been lost in the
Timberline Road and Rimrock Road area - those most nestled in the trees.
Homes on Swick Road were not lost as earlier thought. Evacuation centers
are open all night. RCMP have security on site. Dennys banquet room
will be open all night for evacuees. 1:07 am
Friday, August 22, 12:20am (just after midnite)
My brother Jason just phoned me. They were on the way back to Kelowna
from Penticton coming up the west side of the lake. He reported the
following to me (which I have not yet been able to confirm).
He believes that the fire had surged down to the lake around Swick
Road (bypassing the Golden Mile, and Young's orchards etc.) and had
engulfed houses on Swick Road. He says the fire is just above Lakeshore
Road by Bertram Creek park, but Bertram Creek Park is still dark (ie:
no flames). He said he could see the lights of emergency vehicles on
Lakeshore Road by Bertram Creek Park.
I will try to confirm this tomorrow morning.
Other news updates:
- Karen Cairns - As of 10:30 Swick Road homes not burnt. Unconfirmed
reports homes lost in Rimrock and Timberline Road area. 11:01
- Karen Cairns - Says Fire Guard is holding at Tannager and end of
Chute Lake Road. 10:47
- Gerry Zimmerman Fire Chief - Fire jumped guards at 6 pm this morning
near Timberline area. Crews have pulled out of Timberline area. Fire
Fighters will make last stand at Kettle Valley. 10:37
- President of Kettle Valley says homes are being wetted down. No
homes on fire as of 10 minutes ago. 10:33
- Owner of famous White House on Lake says he saw two to six homes
on fire in Swick Road area. (Pending Verification) 10:27
New Evacuation Order 10:30pm
The EVACUATION ORDER issued earlier this evening has now been expanded
to include all homes within the following boundary:
· Okanagan Lake on the west
· Bellevue Creek on the north east to
Haymer Road
· Due north on Westridge Road to Crawford
Road
· East to Stewart Road West
· North to Saucier
· East to Spiers following June Springs
Road to McCulloch
· To the east side of Gallaghers Canyon
Golf and Country Club
· The east side of Gallaghers Canyon Golf
and Country Club forming a line extending south to the municipal boundary.
This Evacuation Order includes June Springs
Subdivision, Crawford Estates and also includes homes located along
Mission Ridge Road.
Evacuated residents with last names beginning
with the letters A to K should report to the Parkinson Recreation Centre
at 1800 Parkinson Way.
Those with last names beginning with the letters
L to Z should report to the new Kelowna Secondary School at 1079 Raymer
Avenue.
All evacuees should please take sleeping bags
and pillows with them.
Thursday, August 21, 11pm update
BREAKING NEWS - Mission Residents On
Alert Must Now Evacuate 7:51 pm
An Evacuation Order was issued at 7:45 pm for
Lakeshore Road residents from 5600 Lakeshore Road to 5252 Lakeshore
Road; the area extends from Okanagan Lake on the west to the City of
Kelowna boundary on the east and involves 35 - 40 residences. These
residences were previously on Evacuation Alert.
An Evacuation Order has also been issued for
residents in the Okaview, Kettle Valley and Uplands areas. Residents
of 1,013 homes in the area south of and including Crighton Road to Chute
Lake Road, and properties west of Chute Lake Road south to the City
boundary should leave immediately.
Fire Officials will notify these residents door
to door of this new Evacuation Order.
Among the roads and streets affected by the new
Evacuation Order are 5600 to 5252 Lakeshore Road, Uplands Drive, Edgemont
Court, Viewcrest Court, Viewcrest Road, Stellar Drive, Okaview Road,
Curlew Drive, Lark Street, Quilchena Drive, Raven Drive, Tanager Drive,
Chute Lake Road, McCarren Avenue, Trumpeter Road, Chute Lake Crescent
and Stanley Crescent.
Evacuated residents with last names beginning
with the letters A to K should report to the Parkinson Recreation Centre
at 1800 Parkinson Way; those with last names beginning with the letters
L to Z should report to the new Kelowna Secondary School at 1079 Raymer
Avenue.
It is extremely important that all evacuated
residents register so that out of town family and friends will be able
to locate them even if evacuees have made their own accommodation arrangements.
As well, if residents need services such as food, clothing or lodging
you must be registered with Emergency Social Services. Evacuated residents
should also bring sleeping bags and pillows for every member of their
family.
Darren Campbell, Ministry of Forestry Information
Officer, says that Flames have jumped the fire guard near the Timberline
subdivision. There is no immediate danger - this is a precautionary
measure. Residents are strongly urged not to panic and to leave the
area in an orderly fashion.
Non-residents are urged NOT to head in to these
alert areas due to traffic and road blocks.
If you were out of the evacuated area when the
Evacuation Alert was issued, you will not be allowed back in to pick
up possessions.
Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 6pm
I just called Mum & Dad for an update...they're doing OK...they
hear that the winds are gonna be bad the next couple of days. Mum's
not in as good spirits as yesterday. Hopefully her happy-factor will
improve tomorrow. Dad's got all the sprinklers going fulltime...if they
don't get burned, they'll get drowned! Otherwise, no change at their
house. It was really smoky today and apparently water bombers couldn't
work due to bad visibility.
Here's the latest updates from the news sites...
Blaze Shifts South - by Ron Seymour - The Daily Courier
The ever-shifting Okanagan Mountain fire spread south-east Tuesday
as efforts to halt the advance of its northern flank seemed to be succeeding.
Water bombers and ground crews managed to stall the fire at the far
end of Lakeshore Road, but flames from the massive blaze moved toward
Chute Lake and Naramata.
“It was a pretty good day for Kelowna, but there’s going
to be a fair amount of anxiety and concern now at the southern perimeter
of the fire,” Ministry of Forests fire zone manager Brian Brown
said last night.
Another 20 firefighters were expected to join the attack this morning,
bringing the total to almost 100. An additional helicopter will join
the fleet of 10 aircraft dropping retardant and water on the fire.
A communication tower in the middle of the park was damaged by fire
Tuesday, and Aquila Networks shut down a main power line that serves
the South Okanagan after flames came within 200 metres of the right-of-way.
Power was shifted to a smaller line, and Aquila officials warned of
possible power outages.
“Conditions are quite unpredictable right now, and customers
in the South Okanagan should be prepared for rotating outages,”
spokesman Bob Gibney said.
Between late Monday and last night, the fire had more than doubled
in size, to 6,000 hectares. It has now burned over half of the 10,000-ha.
park. The surge in the fire’s size, caused mainly by strong winds
late Monday, prompted the evacuation of 50 homes in Kelowna’s
southern suburbs. Another 1,000 people were put on evacuation alert,
though the fire remains about one kilometre from the nearest home.
“The winds are supposed to stay calm or light tonight, so we’re
just hoping the north end of the fire remains stable,” said City
of Kelowna information officer Karen Cairns.
As the fire spread southeast Tuesday, about 50 families from homes
just north of Naramata were evacuated, while residents of the village
itself were notified they might have to leave. The Naramata fire department
was in action late Tuesday in a protection role. “The trucks are
up at Glenfir and Indian Rock right now,” said fire dispatcher
Doug Collins.
Around the fire perimeter, ground crews tried to slow its advance by
digging three-foot-wide fire guards. The steep, rocky terrain makes
it impossible to use heavy machinery in most locations.
“It’s a very slow, arduous process to build fire guards,”
Brown said.
Again last night, the northern edge of the fire could easily seen from
throughout Kelowna, with the flames and orange glow lighting the hills
above the Mission.
“It’s mesmerizing,” said Cythnia Wright, who watched
the fire from Waterfront Park with her husband and children. “Of
course, it’s awful, but you can’t take your eyes off it.”
Paul Francis, who was also watching the fire from the downtown park,
said: “Around the top of the hills like that, it looks like a
volcano, with rivers of fire instead of lava.”
The fire has been ranked as a class 5-6, with 6 signifying the most
intense blaze.
“This ranking, and its proximity to Kelowna, gives it the highest
priority,” Brown said. “It’s at the higher end of
the aggressiveness scale.”
The provincial fire commissioner has brought in municipal firefighters
from Vernon, Keremeos and even North Cowichan on Vancouver Island.
“We drove our pumper truck up here and arrived at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday,”
said Cowichan deputy chief Shauneen Spence.
The additional firefighters are on hand should the blaze reach any
structures.
The fire was sparked by a lightning strike at about 3 a.m. Saturday.
Thursday: "Day From Hell" 2:44 pm
Thursday is being called by officials the 'day from hell' in the battle
against the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park forest fire. What that
means is not exactly clear, but it probably refers to the weather. Environment
Canada is predicting strong winds tonight and Thursday with gusts up
to 40 kilometres an hour and they will be coming out of the South West
which means the flames will be pushed towards Kelowna. There's rain
in Saturday's forecast but there's also a possibility of lightning.
Afternoon Fire Recap 12:00 pm
The latest on the fire is that is has grown to 11,000 hectares and has
consumed about 95 per cent of the park. Click here for an updated fire
spread map. Also check out the PEP page for a thermal map of the blaze
taken last night. The flames have also jumped the park's boundary and
has reached a major power line that supplies electricity to the Central
Okanagan. The line was deactivated yesterday as a precautionary measure
and back-up lines are currently being utilized.
The Evacuation Orders and Alerts remain in effect (Wednesday) for the
1,050 Mission area homes in the Okaview, Kettle Valley and Uplands areas
of the Okanagan Mission. The roads and streets affected by the new alert
are Uplands Drive, Lakeshore Road, Edgemont Court, Viewcrest Court,
Viewcrest Road, Stellar Drive, Okaview Road, Curlew Drive, Lark Street,
Quilchena Drive, Raven Drive, Tanager Drive, Chute Lake Road, McCarren
Avenue, Trumpeter Road, Chute Lake Crescent and Stanley Crescent.
The RCMP and volunteers will be going through the affected neighbourhoods
posting signs and advising residents of their inclusion in the evacuation
alert area. People under Evacuation Alert are advised to gather essential
items such as medications, glasses, valuable papers and keepsakes such
as photographs. Preparations should be made to move any disabled persons
and children. Pets and livestock should be moved to a safe area. Anyone
needing assistance with animals should call 1-250-809-7152 or 860-3938.
All evacuees are asked to register at the Parkinson Recreation Centre
Reception Centre so concerned friends and family know they are safe.
People can also call 762-8646. Canada Post is holding mail for the evacuees;
it can be picked up at 750 Baillie Avenue between 7:30 and 3:30 p.m.
A local Public Information Line is now operational and anyone with questions
about the fire and evacuation procedures should call: 869-0386. The
Provincial Emergency Information Line is: 1-800-311-7044. To volunteer
at the Kelowna Reception Centre contact: 212-0871. Two thousand Naramata
residents have also been placed on evacuation alert.
A total of nine choppers, 30 pieces of heavy equipment and 80 fire
fighters on site are battling the blaze.
Aug 20, 2003 10:28 AM [from BC Wildfire News]
Due to strong winds, dry fuels, and sloped terrain, the Okanagan Mountain
Park Fire grew substantially to the south yesterday. It is now estimated
to be 11,000 hectares in size. 80 fire fighters, 30 pieces of heavy
equipment, and 9 helicopters, continue to work on the fire as it burns
heavy fuels in steep, rugged and rough terrain.
Crews will continue with aggressive action on the south and north flanks
of the fire to protect homes and improvement structures. Helicopters
will be bucketing today and airtankers will be used for support when
needed.
Fire is now 11,000 Hectares. 10:20 am
Ministry of Forest Information officer Brian Brown says that the Okanagan
Mountain Park fire has grown to approximately 11,000 hectares. Click
here for an updated fire spread map. There was aggressive growth in
the fire last night to the south and south east last night towards Naramata
as well as some slight movement to Kelowna. Brown says there will be
an increase of man power in the air and on the ground today. There are
nine helicopters, air tankers and thirty pieces of heavy equipment are
fighting the blaze including backhoe's, bulldozers and tank trucks The
actual size of Okanagan Mountain Park itself is 10,542 hectares. The
fire consumes 95% of the park. The fire is rated as a level 6 forest
fire. Level 6 is the highest rating level.
Here's the latest thermographs of the fire:
Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 10am
I just called mum for an update. She said the winds are calm today
and that one of the two big white houses at the end of the road is on
fire. I have not been able to confirm this with any of my news sources.
Other than that, they are trying to live as "normal" as possible.
They have set up sprinklers on the roof and around the property as a
precaution, soaking everything as much as possible. Beyond that, I think
Dad's going golfing today and Aunty Mary's coming down for a dip in
the lake with Mum later in the day.
Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 9am
Large White House on Lake is Saved - Flames Were Within 100 Metres
Quick action by Kelowna Fire Department and Ministry of Forests fire
fighting crews successfully protected a Lakeshore Road house that had
been threatened this morning by the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
forest fire.
Two Kelowna fire tanker trucks, two bush firefighting trucks, a pumper
truck along with Forestry helicopters and firefighters from both agencies
managed to hold back the fire to within 100 metres of the residence
at the end of Lakeshore Road. The threat has been averted.
As a precautionary measure, crews from the Kelowna Fire Department
will be roving through the neighbourhoods affected by the Evacuation
Orders and Evacuation Alerts. In addition, Kelowna Fire Prevention members
will be in the Mission neighbourhoods that are subject to the Evacuation
Alert, to advise and assist residents with suggestions on protecting
their property.
Overnight Update - Fire Grows to 6,300 Hectares - Naramata Under
Evacuation Alert
The Okanagan Mountain Park fire has grown significantly overnight -
-and as a result, about 2,000 residents of Naramata are now on evacuation
alert.
Light winds from the north pushed the fire south and it has grown more
than 4,000 hectares to 6,300 hectares in size. Naramata residents have
been told to pack up their important belongings and be ready to go on
a moments’ notice – should the alert be upgraded to an evacuation
order. RCMP are in the process of setting up a road block at the south
end of Naramata to inform residents of the evacuation order and to prevent
looky-loo’s from entering the community.
On this side of the massive inferno, an evacuation alert remains in
effect for about two thousand residents of the Upper Mission area. They
include homes on the following roads: Lakeshore south of Crighton, Chute
Lake south of Crighton, Okaview, Uplands, Curlew, Stellar, Tanager Drive
– and all roads in between. Here's a map of the fire spread (updated
for Aug 19 & 20):
Of the 47 homes evacuated at this point – 80 or so of those affected
residents have registered at the Parkinson Rec Centre – where the
emergency reception is located. If you have been evacuated, but haven’t
registered yet, you’re asked to do so by calling 762-8646.
Meantime, RCMP say the warnings are over. Boaters continue to get in
the way of choppers and air tankers that are scooping up water from
the lake to fight the Okanagan Mountain Park fire. RCMP say their zodiac
will be back out on the water today and any boater caught interfering
with fire protection crews will be hit with a fine. The maximum fine
if $5,000.
So, what does the weather have in store for us in terms of wind? Wind
today 10 to 15km/h is forecast from the west today, but we are expecting
winds from the south west gusting up to 20 km/h tomorrow, which would
push the blaze north – and closer to Kelowna.
Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 10pm
Things look pretty good for the Kelowna side of the Okanagan Mountain
Provincial Park forest fire tonight. Kelowna Fire Chief Gerry Zimmerman
has just returned from a helicopter trip of the area. He says the situation
is fairly stable near Kelowna but unfortunately it is not looking too
good for Naramata. Environment Canada Meteorologist Jim Goosen says
light 10 kilometer winds are blowing south in that area. The winds are
dying down in Kelowna and should also be very light Wednesday morning.
An evacuation alert remains in effect for about two thousand residents
of the Upper Mission area.
The area under alert is Okaview, Kettle Valley and Uplands. Residents
there may be asked to leave their homes in an hour if the fire heads
back toward Kelowna.
That is not the case now and Emergency officials are scaling back their
operations somewhat overnight. There are about 80 people registered
at the Parkinson Rec Centre emergency headquarters. Anyone who is evacuated
is asked to register at the Rec Centre in person or by phone at 762-8646.
Some families have temporary accommodation there and others have gone
to stay with relatives and friends.
Help Request: Anyone with a horse trailer able to help move horses
on short notice is asked to call 762-8646.
Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 5pm
BREAKING NEWS - FIRE GROWS - MORE ON EVACUATION ALERT
The Okanagan Mountain forest fire has grown by an additional 600 hectares.
Forestry officials now say it covers 2,800 hectares after it took a
run to the south early Tuesday morning prompting the evacuation of Chute
Lake Resort and area cabins. An evacuation has also been ordered for
the small community of Indian Rock, which is north of Naramata, and
another community called Glenfur, which is between Naramata and Chute
Lake. Water bombers also concentrated their efforts on some communication
towers at the top of the park. As of late Tuesday afternoon the fire
had slowed by officials are quick to point out that the conditions can
change at any moment. Environment Canada continues to predict light
winds in the forecast with a very slight chance of rain on Friday.
The BC Fire Commissioner's Office has expanded an evacuation alert
Residents in the Okaview, Kettle Valley and Uplands areas are affected
by the expanded alert. Residents of 1,013 homes in the area south of
and including Crighton Road to Chute Lake Road, and properties west
of Chute Lake Road south to the City boundary are advised to prepare
for possible evacuation. The roads and streets affected by the new alert
are Uplands Drive, Lakeshore Road, Edgemont Court, Viewcrest Court,
Viewcrest Road, Stellar Drive, Okaview Road, Curlew Drive, Lark Street,
Quilchena Drive, Raven Drive, Tanager Drive, Chute Lake Road, McCarren
Avenue, Trumpeter Road, Chute Lake Crescent and Stanley Crescent.
The RCMP and volunteers will be going through the affected neighbourhoods
posting signs and advising residents of their inclusion in the evacuation
alert area. People under Evacuation Alert are advised to gather essential
items such as medications, glasses, valuable papers and keepsakes such
as photographs. Preparations should be made to move any disabled persons
and children. Pets and livestock should be moved to a safe area. Anyone
needing assistance with animals should call 1-250-809-7152 or 860-3938.
All evacuees are asked to register at the Parkinson Recreation Centre
Reception Centre so concerned friends and family know they are safe.
People can also call 762-8646. Canada Post is holding mail for the evacuees;
it can be picked up at 750 Baillie Avenue between 7:30 and 3:30 p.m.
A local Public Information Line is now operational and anyone with questions
about the fire and evacuation procedures should call: 869-0386. The
Provincial Emergency Information Line is: 1-800-311-7044. To volunteer
at the Kelowna Reception Centre contact: 212-0871.
- courtesy of castanet.net
news
Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 1pm
Mum & Dad are spending the days at the house, but are staying with
Aunty Mary at night. This mitigates a late night evacuation if one was
required. Mum says it's super smoky in the valley, and they can't really
go down to the lake to spend time on the dock. Jason came down to help
dad setup some sprinklers on the roof of the house, and to set up other
sprinklers to soak our place as much as possible.
Here's the latest from castanet.net
news:
The situation with the Okanagan Mountain Park forest fire has changed
dramatically. Forestry officials say the fire is now moving to the south
prompting the evacuation of several cabins in the Chute Lake Road area
including the Chute Lake Resort. Officials say some of the cabins could
be used year round and are advising those residences to leave the area
immediately. So far, more than 45 homes at the end of Lakeshore road
have been evacuated. The last estimate puts the fire about one kilometre
from the nearest homes in that area. An emergency reception area has
been set up at the Parkinson Rec Centre and the number for the evacuees
is 869-0386. The Centre says it has more than enough volunteers but
the thought is appreciated. Regarding today's weather, environment Canada
says the winds should remain light for the remainder of the day thanks
to a low pressure system that has moved into the area bringing with
it cooler temperatures. The fire now covers 2,200 hectares and continues
to be very active.
Additional firefighters were brought in Tuesday to fight the blaze,
which is also being bombarded from the air by helicopters and water
bombers. One complaint coming from the pilots fighting the fire is boaters
getting too close when they're picking up water and are advising them
to stay away because they're hampering their efforts to get the fire
under control. Meanwhile, conservation officers say they're dealing
with an increasing number of calls dealing with bears roaming into back
yards as they flee the fire.
- courtesy of castanet.net
news
Here's a
link to the Kelowna Forest Fire image library that castanet.net
had collected.
Another website with pretty good updates is at: http://www.welcometokelowna.com/Okanagan_mtn_park_fire.shtml
Monday, August 18, 2003 - 12:00 midnite
Last Updated 10 pm: The forest fire in Okanagan Mountain Provincial
Park across from Peachland took a turn for the worst Monday night. Officials
were predicting light winds, but they picked up early in the afternoon
fanning the flames even more. According to witnesses, the fire jumped
about three kilometers to the north east and was about one kilometer
from the nearest home on Lakeshore Road. It's described as a large white
house and fire officials were called to the home late Monday evening.
Witnesses say the perimeter of the home was being bombarded by fire
retardant in an effort from the flames from spreading.
Six homes were initially evacuated earlier this week but officials say
an additional 41 homes will have to be evacuated. As of Monday afternoon,
the fire had consumed about 1,800 hectares. Forty fire fighters began
battling the blaze but that has since doubled to 80 by Tuesday morning
and the military has been called into join the battle. Fire officials
say it could take weeks to get the fire under control if the weather
continues to be hot and dry. Unfortunately, there's no rain in the immediate
forecast.
- courtesy of castanet.net
news
Sunday, August 17, 2003 - 9:30pm
Forest fighters will resume battling that fire in Okanagan Mountain
Park tomorrow morning. The blaze broke out near Rattlesnake Island Saturday
morning and quickly spread. Officials estimate it at a little over 1,000
hectares. The good news is the fire is no longer spreading and was burning
on itself by late Sunday afternoon. More than 40 fire fighters are battling
the blaze on the ground and it’s also being attacked in the air
by helicopters and at least one water bomber. The fire has forced the
evacuation of half a dozen homes and an additional 41 have been put
on alert. At last estimate, the fire was about 2.5 kilometres from the
nearest homes. [ Mum & Dad's house is
about 1.5km from those homes = 4km total distance from the fire ]
The winds were cooperative Sunday and Environment Canada is predicting
they will continue to stay calm until at least Tuesday. But the bad
news is there's no rain in the immediate forecast. The cause of the
fire has been attributed to a lightning strike. A lightning strike also
sparked a small forest fire in the Chute Lake Road area Saturday but
it was quickly contained. Meanwhile, Kelowna RCMP are warning residents
that some wildlife may venture into the city in an attempt to escape
the Okanagan Mountain fire.
- courtesy of castanet.net
news
Sunday, August 17, 2003 - 6pm
Called my folks again today to see what their status was. Not much
change all day...winds have been calm all day and helicopters and water
bombers have been dumping water all day since 6am.
What
really irks me is all the damn "lookie-loos" out in their
boats "admiring" the fire. Would these F**KING MORONS get
the hell off the lake so the bombers & helicopters can do their
job!??! Un-f***king-believable how many stupidly curious people there
are. Use your higher brain functions folks!! This is NOT A TOURIST ATTRACTION!!
<ok...angry rant over>
Dad says they don't expect to have the fire "under control"
(whatever the hell that means) for at least 2-3 days. So, it ain't over
yet.
Found some more photos... As horrifying as the photos are to me, I
thank the photographers for making them available online.
Sunday, August 17, 2003- 9am
I called my parents today (Aug 17 at 9am Kelowna time). My dad told
me the fire is 2km south of the end of "the Golden Mile" (the
end of the road on the east side of the lake). Today the winds are calm
so far, and the water bombers starting bombing the fire at 6am this
morning. They unfortunately cannot do their work at night. The fire
goes right down to the lake's edge in Okanagan Mtn. Park. Between Naramata
and the Golden Mile, there are no homes.
Some of our friends and neighbours have already evacuated on their
own.
Here's some photos of the fire that I found today....they scare the
crap out of me.
Saturday, August 16, 2003 - midnightish
My brother just phoned me to tell me that there was a forest fire raging
just south of my parents' home in Kelowna. I knew there were forest
fires int he Okanagan but I didn't realize they were so close. They
live on the east side of Okanagan Lake, between Cedar Creek Winery and
Bertram Creek Park. My brother asked me what I wanted out of the house
as they were getting ready to evacuate. At this point they have not
been given an evacuation order, but they are on alert.
For more information, http://www.castanet.net/news/news1.htm
has the most up to date and recent information that I've found. I'll
post some pictures that I find on the net tomorrow..I don't think I'm
gonna sleep very well tonite.
