In the early hours of Friday, the City of Kelowna declared a state of emergency due to the encroaching McDougall Creek wildfire. The wildfire jumped Okanagan Lake overnight, forcing many to be evacuated as the fire continued to spread rapidly.
Residents in the in the Clifton Road North and McKinley Neighbourhoods are asked to evacuate. Residents along the west side of Glenmore Road from McKinley Beach to John Hindle Road have been put on Evacuation Alert.
“Due to unpredictable fire behaviour, it is critical that all residents evacuate for their safety and the safety of first responders in the area,” reads a statement.
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An evacuation order and a state of emergency has also been issued by the City of West Kelowna and the Regional District of Central Okanagan due to the McDougall Creek wildfire. The alert stated that people in Rose Valley, West Kelowna Estates, and all properties located off
of Westside Rd north of West Kelowna to Nahun need to evacuate.
“The wildfire poses a threat to human life.”
Many took to social media to show the raging wildfire as it crossed Okanagan Lake overnight.
The footage shows numerous structures have been lost and thousands have been forced from their homes.
Evacuation orders in the Kelowna area continued to expand Friday morning and emergency officials say it’s critical that “all residents evacuate for their safety and the safety of first responders in the area”.
For a full list of evacuation orders, click here.