Joe Rich fire still out of control; now 400 hectares and growing
The fire raging in the Joe Rich area near Kelowna remained out of control as it burned into the second day on Friday.
The blaze started on Thursday afternoon about 25 kilometres outside of Kelowna, charring just under four kilometres of grass, bush and timber, according to the Central Okanagan Regional District.
The fire had grown to 400 hectares as of Friday evening, with zero per cent containment.
The fire, which B.C. Wildfire Service officials believe to be human-caused, originated within the Joe Rich Fire Department jurisdiction, but spread to Crown land.
“It grew quite aggressively,” said Kevin Skrepnek, chief information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service.
“The winds in the area were just absolutely howling.”
Environment Canada estimated winds in the Okanagan reached 70 kilometres per hour on Thursday night, contributing to the quick growth of the fire.
Crews, which were attacking the fire from the ground and the air, were making progress, despite the challenging steep terrain, said Skrepnek.
“It’s definitely going to be an active fire going forward,” he said.
Approximately 30 B.C. Wildfire Service personnel were on site on Friday, including firefighters, contract crews and support staff.
Local fire departments were also on site.
The w inds in the area were just absolutely howling. It’s definitely going to be an active fire going forward.
B.C. Wildfire Service’s Kevin Skrepnek
Four helicopters were being used to fight the fire from the air.
As of Friday afternoon, visibility was not suitable for fixed wing aircraft, but they were available for deployment, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Ten pieces of heavy equipment was also being used alongside crews to establish a guard around the fire.
On Friday, crews had established a onekilometre guard on the east side of the fire.
An evacuation order was in place for 474 properties, affecting about 1,100 people in the Joe Rich community.
The nearest structure to the fire was estimated at one kilometre away.
Area property owner Jeremy Ford said the blaze began as a spot fire along Highway 33. By the time he had called for help, it was already racing through grass and bush into a heav ily treed area.
Ford said he ensured his family was safely out and then remained behind to help others.
“I stayed there until the last minute to help out my neighbours because they have got animals,” said Ford, who added he released the animals from a neighbouring barn just as police ordered him to leave.
“So now the animals have got a chance to live and not be cooped up in a pen in the fire. That’s all we can do.”
Cynthia Row said she was running on trails through the hills above Highway 33 when flames began shooting up trees around her, blocking the path and forcing her to bushwhack downhill toward the
I was terrified and now I’m just in shock. I’ve never been this scared in my life.
Cynthia Row
highway.
She ran into a wall of fire before she reached the safety of the road, but was able to sidestep the flames.
“I was terrified and now I’m just in shock,” she said.
“I’ve never been this scared in my life. I’ve had encounters with bears. I’ve been lost for days. I’ve been in trouble, and I’ve never experienced anything like this. It was frightening. “I’m very lucky I got out.” An emergency support services reception centre opened at Willow Park Church in Kelowna on Thursday evening.
As of Friday morning, 264 people had registered for emergency support.
The YMCA also opened its doors to wildfire evacuees.
“We invite evacuees to visit the Kelowna Family YMCA in Rutland, H20 Adventure and Fitness Centre in the Mission or the downtown YMCA at no cost during this difficult time,” said Sharon Peterson, CEO of the YMCA Okanagan.
“Whether individuals and families are seeking a supportive community, an escape to the pool, a fitness class or simply a shower, we welcome them with open arms.”
Evacuees need to bring identification to a YMCA location.
On Thursday afternoon, FortisBC cut power to about 2,500 customers to assess damage from the fire.
Later that night, they restored power to the majority of customers, leaving about 60 customers without power.
Highway 33 remained closed Friday with local detour routes available.
- With files from the Canadian Press