UPDATE 6:10 a.m.
West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) will be assessing the Kalamoir Park wildfire on Wednesday morning, fire chief Jason Brolund tells Black Press Media.
Brolund said he expects “numerous” hotspots within the fire’s perimeter, which will show smoke throughout the day.
“Because these are within the existing perimeter, we are not concerned about growth of the fire or risk to homes,” said Brolund.
“Although not expected, I encourage the public to report any rapid growing fire or escape of fire outside the existing perimeter to 9-1-1.”
The fire chief added WKFR and BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews will be “mopping up” the fire throughout Wednesday as well.
Brolund said the evacuation alert for the 742 properties will remain in place and evaluated throughout the day.
“[It] will be lifted once we are confident that the fire no longer poses a risk,” said Brolund. “Weather and wind conditions will play a role here.”
Brolund added he hopes the wildfire serves as a reminder to residents to be ready at any time.
“As always, urging the public to look at yesterday’s fire as a reminder that we need to learn to live with wildfire in our region,” said Brolund. “Easy steps like having a grab-and-go kit, a family emergency plan, and reviewing the FireSmart principles for things that can make your home more resilient to wildfire.”
Original
The Kalamoir Park wildfire in West Kelowna remains being held on Wednesday morning, June 17.
While the fire is expected to stay within its perimeter, 742 properties, totalling an approximate 1,700 residents, remain on evacuation alert, meaning they have to be ready to go at any time if the fire spreads.
Everyone who was placed on an evacuation order on Tuesday was able to go home just before 7 p.m. as the order was downgraded to an alert.
On Tuesday, West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund confirmed that no structures were lost or damaged in the blaze, which grew to eight hectares in size. He also added the fire was “inches” away from homes.
However, he did confirm the fire is being treated as suspicious and is being investigated by West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR), BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the RCMP, and the Ministry of Natural Resources. BCWS states the fire is suspectedly human-caused.
“Today could’ve been a disastrous day,” Brolund told media on Tuesday afternoon.
In total, WKFR attended with more than 40 firefighters. Over 20 firefighters from the Kelowna Fire Department and BCWS were also on the ground fighting the blaze, while “dozens” of air crews were providing aerial attacks. In addition, more than 20 RCMP officers helped evacuate residents.
No firefighters or residents were injured.
Black Press Media has reached out to Brolund for a Wednesday morning update.
The Kalamoir Park wildfire is one of 14 active wildfires in the province.