Final evacuation order lifted for McDougall Creek wildfire

All residents displaced by the McDougall Creek wildfire can finally return to their properties.

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre (COEOC) rescinded the remaining evacuation order and ended the State of Local Emergency for the City of West Kelowna Thursday, Sept. 28.

The COEOC will be deactivated, but could be reopened if needed. Residents in need of support can access them through the Resiliency Centre on Louie Drive, local governments and the Westbank First Nation.

People returning to their properties are asked to beware potential hazards such as danger trees.

During the course of the fire, which sparked August 15 and burned roughly 13,970 hectares of land, resulted in an estimated 10,700 properties in the area fall under evacuation orders, while another 10,700 were on alerts.

A total of 189 properties were destroyed in the McDougall Creek fire and the two fires in Lake Country and Kelowna that it sparked. Included in that total was the Lake Okanagan Resort, which despite having 150 units, was counted as one property.

Emergency Support Services assisted up to 7,500 residents impacted by the wildfire, and support was still being provided to existing evacuees as of Thursday.

The 13,970 hectare fire is currently classified as being held. The cause is under investigation.

A post-wildfire natural hazard risk analysis was being undertaken by the B.C. government to estimate the likelihood of post-fire hazards such as landslides, debris flows, debris floods and elevated peak flows.

The COEOC noted smoke will still be visible from within the fire’s perimeter over the coming weeks or until there is significant rain or snowfall.

The B.C. Wildfire Service have said that though recent cooler, wetter weather has reduced the likelihood of further wildfires the risks do still persist, and anyone who sees fire activity should call 1-800-633-5555 or dial *5555 on a cell phone.