Strong winds causing new alerts on West Kelowna fire

An increase in winds is causing concerns with the McDougall Creek wildfire near West Kelowna.

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre is expanding the evacuation alert in West Kelowna to include all of the Glenrosa and Westbank neighbourhoods.

The expanded alert area now includes properties north of Highway 97 from Highway 97C to Old Okanagan Highway, including properties north of Dobbin Road.

Meantime, all remaining properties north of Highway 97 within Westbank First Nation IR#9 as well as 1979 Old Okanagan Highway have been added to the evacuation alert impacting WFN residents.

“Increased winds have created increased fire risk. In response, BC Wildfire has taken the precautionary measure of directing additional aerial and ground support resources to monitor for new or increased fire activity in the area,” a news release from the EOC stated.

The EOC said area residents can expect to see an expanded presence of firefighters and trucks in the area. West Kelowna fire crews are joined by 33 additional firetrucks from Peachland to Armstrong.

Residents on evacuation alert must continue to be prepared to leave their properties at a moment’s notice and be away from home for an extended period.

Visit cordemergency.ca/map for more information.