Okanagan evacuee recounts escape as wildfire orders expand around lake

Thousands of people fled fires around Okanagan Lake over the weekend as high winds pushed flames through drought-parched terrain. Atlyn Becker, who left Westshore Estates with her family before an evacuation order was issued, said about 200 vehicles moved slowly along the road as fire burned close by.

Becker said firefighters cut through fallen trees with chainsaws so vehicles could pass. Winds gusting up to 115 kilometres an hour helped drive the fires, which destroyed homes and reached the waterline in some areas.

Central Okanagan Emergency Management says more than 2,200 properties under its jurisdiction have been evacuated because of the Quilpituk Creek wildfire. The Regional District of North Okanagan expanded evacuation orders and alerts Sunday because of the Bradley Creek wildfire.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said the Bradley Creek fire did not grow significantly overnight, while the Quilpituk Creek fire was about 550 hectares. Okanagan Indian Band Chief Dan Wilson said crews still face unsafe areas and must assess damaged power lines, hazardous trees, infrastructure and water systems before residents can return.

Becker’s own property is now under evacuation order. She said the prospect of losing the house would be devastating, including because it provides summer Airbnb income. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said 100 firefighting personnel from Mexico arrived Monday, with 200 more expected later in the week.