18 Aug 2023 | 04:12 AM UTC
Canada: Wildfires continue to cause disruptions across British Columbia as of Aug. 17
Emergency crews continue working to contain multiple wildfires across British Columbia, Canada, as of Aug. 17. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain multiple wildfires burning across British Columbia as of Aug. 17. Authorities report 372 active fires burning across the province, of which 156 are out of control. Further details on the 14 wildfires of note can be found here. Drought conditions are hampering firefighting efforts. The City of West Kelowna and the Westbank First Nation in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley have declared local states of emergency. As of Aug. 17, the following wildfires have resulted in evacuations.
McDougall Creek Fire
The McDougall Creek Fire was approximately 1,100 hectares (2,718 acres) in size. Authorities have issued evacuation orders to more than 1,000 people and evacuation alerts to more than 5,700 properties across the City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area, including Bear Creek Road, Bartley Road, Rose Valley, and north of Traders Cove up to and including Caesars Landing. An emergency shelter is located at Kal Tire Place in Vernon.
Crater Creek Fire
The Crater Creek Fire is approximately 14,000 hectares (34,595 acres) in size. Authorities have issued evacuation orders to 19 properties and evacuation alerts to another 189 properties along the Similkameen River, near Highway 3, and in Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park. An emergency shelter is located at 199 Ellis Street in Penticton. The fire has destroyed at least one home.
Authorities have issued numerous other evacuation orders and alerts across the province due to the various wildfires, including portions of Lytton First Nation, Ulkatcho First Nation, Thompson-Nicola Regional District Electoral Areas “J” and “L”, Cariboo Regional District, and Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. Many roads near the wildfire complexes are closed, including sections of several highways. Details on road closures across British Columbia can be found here.
Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for southern and central southern British Columbia due to the impact of smoke from the wildfires.
Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
