18 homes go up in flames

July 27, 1994 – Weary Penticton homeowners were out sprinkling blackened, ash-covered ground Tuesday afternoon in the wake of the Garnet fire that raced through the upper Carmi area.

Numerous spot fires threatened to flare up amid the smouldering piles of forest debris.

As of this morning, 17 homes had burnt to the ground outside city boundaries and one other had been destroyed inside city limits, city administrator Tim Wood confirmed. Despite that, another 55 homes in the hardhit upper Carmi area managed to survive the blaze.

The scene was so grave yesterday we would have lost lives,” said Wendy Stewart, spokeswoman for the provincial Ministry of Forests, “This was just wild.”

The provincial emergency program, along with forestry and fire personnel, is still trying to determine the damage. Driveways lead to everything from upscale log homes to garages and temporary structures. It’s hard to determine exactly what was destroyed.

Forests Minister Andrew Petter viewed the site from the sky Tuesday afternoon along with Okanagan Penticton MLA Jim Beattie and Penticton Mayor Jake Kimberley.

“These conditions are difficult to operate in,” Petter said, referring to the tough terrain.

“One can only do everything in one’s power and it’s very difficult to get equipment on the ground to deal with it.”

Petter said he had heard criticism that the forest service didn’t move fast enough to stop the fire.

“I understand people are obviously upset, but with everything I have seen, it’s clear that everything that could have been done has been done.”

The cost of fighting the fire has now climbed over the $1-million dollar mark. While the cost of fighting the fire has soared since it took off earlier this week, Petter said that is simply the price the province has to bear.

“The concern is to protect lives and property and get this fire under control and extinguished as soon as possible.”