- The BC Wildfire Service reported that dozens more fires were sparked and expanded quickly due to high winds and lightning strikes, with almost half of the 130 wildfires burning out of control; new blazes at the north end of Okanagan Lake prompted evacuation of the Okanagan Indian Band reserve.
- Winds of more than 100 km/h prevented aircraft from holding back a wildfire near Okanagan Lake; crews observed sustained 80 km/h winds over the fire and 115 km/h winds at elevation.
- Flames crossed Hwy. 97, closing it, and by Sunday morning 42 evacuation orders and 40 alerts were in effect across the province.
- The wildfires and Saturday night’s storm cut power to more than 23,000 customers, especially in the Okanagan and Kootenay regions.
- The BC Wildfire Service urged residents to be prepared for a possible quick departure and said there are five wildfires of note burning near communities.
Thirty new wildfires have erupted in British Columbia, adding to the existing crisis as nearly half of the 130 wildfires are reported to be out of control. The BC Wildfire Service attributes the rapid spread to high winds exceeding 100 km/h and lightning strikes.123489
Evacuations have been ordered for the Okanagan Indian Band reserve and surrounding areas, including Vernon and Armstrong, as 42 evacuation orders and 40 alerts are currently in effect across the province. The situation worsened over the weekend when gusts reached 115 km/h at elevation, making it difficult for firefighting aircraft to operate effectively.567
The wildfires have also caused significant power outages, affecting over 23,000 customers in the Okanagan and Kootenay regions. The BC Wildfire Service is advising residents to prepare for a potential quick evacuation, even if they are not directly threatened by the flames. Currently, there are five wildfires of note burning near communities, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness among residents.
“The BC Wildfire Service says almost half of the province's 130 wildfires are burning out of control after winds reached 115 km/h at elevation and flames closed Hwy. 97. More than 23,000 customers in the Okanagan and Kootenay lost power, and 42 evacuation orders plus 40 alerts are in effect.”
The Globe and Mail
