Wildfire near Kelowna still not contained
Blaze that began along Highway 33 near Joe Rich community likely caused by humans, fire service says
KELOWNA — A wildfire burning about 20 kilometres east of Kelowna remains out of control.
The fire, which has forced about 1,000 people from their homes, is about 4.6 square kilometres in size, said Navi Saini with the B.C. Wildfire Service. That’s an increase over previous estimates, attributed to better mapping rather than growth.
The fire that started Thursday is not contained but Saini described it as a smouldering ground fire with some open flames.
Highway 33 south of the fire remains closed and a winding detour has been established for non-commercial vehicles. Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said no properties were damaged and favourable weather conditions aided crews in protecting structures.
Saini said local fire departments have installed wildfire sprinkler units on several properties for added protection.
An evacuation order covering 474 properties remained in effect in the Joe Rich community.
Emergency Management B.C. said 264 people from the community registered at an evacuation centre in Kelowna.
While the fire season is far from over, residents in some parts of the province have been reassured they’re no longer at high risk.
Residents of the village of Cache Creek who have been prepared to leave for more than five weeks because of a massive 1,750-square-kilometre blaze were told Friday the evacuation alert for the community has been rescinded.
Alerts for the village of Clinton and an area near Salmo in the Kootenays have been lifted.
Joe Rich area property owner Jeremy Ford said the blaze began as a spot fire along Highway 33. By the time he called for help, it was already racing through grass and bush into a heavily treed area.
Ford said he ensured his family was safely out, 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 highway.
She ran into a wall of fire before she reached 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.”
Officials said the fire was probably caused by humans.