Wildfires Continue to Burn

Shuswap saw two wildfires merge into one, ravaging homes

There's a lot of relief in Kelowna this evening, as the cooler temperatures and not much wind helped firefighters battle the wildfires much better today, putting them more on the offensive rather than defensive like the last 24-48 hours.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund warned when people are able to return to their homes, they will be shocked to see some homes gone, others have fires stopped just before their decks, that's just the reality of the situation. As a result there will be heartbreak for some, and relief for others.

West Kelowna fires under better control today

While there is a bit of reprieve in Kelowna, the Shuswap area was engulfed in flames today, with residents grabbing whatever they could and then fleeing their homes.

Two wildfires had merged into one, destroying homes and forcing the evacuation of some 5,000 residents. Evacuees have described it as "explosive" and "a war zone".

Forrest Tower, a fire information officer with BC Wildfire Service, said the Bush Creek fire exhibited "very, very intense, extreme fire behaviour."

He explained while a significant fire would typically move 12 to 15 kilometres per day, the Bush Creek fire "moved 20 kilometres south in under 12 hours."

Anyone who wants to help the evacuees can donate money to the Red Cross, as monetary donations are best at this time.

Vancouver experiencing haze from the smoke

Meanwhile the smoke from these wildfires have reached Metro Vancouver. This morning just before 9am the sun was bright orange in a hazy sky, and I put on a mask while walking to the bus stop and on the bus. It will continue to be hazy for the next few days, with the chance of showers on Tuesday evening and Wednesday during the day.

Showers aren't enough to douse the flames, but at this rate, anything is better than nothing.

With water restrictions in place in Metro Vancouver, we have begun saving waste water in the kitchen to water the plants and trees on our property. It's a wonder we weren't expected to do this earlier...