FILE PHOTO

Image Credit: FACEBOOK/ Bright small town

A parade is being planned for this evening so residents of West Kelowna and Peachland can show their gratitude to firefighters across the region.

Organizer Erin Williams was evacuated from her home due to the Mount Law wildfire which sparked on Sunday, Aug. 15 in West Kelowna, and her family cabin was threatened by the White Rock Lake fire.

“Sunday night was a really tense night for our whole family and I’m sure a bazillion other families were in these situations but we were able to get home… and we were just so grateful to get home,” she said.

“There is overwhelming gratitude to all the firefighters, and fire people and B.C. Wildfire Services that work so hard to risk their lives.”

Hundreds of properties were evacuated in West Kelowna due to the Mount Law wildfire. It is still 800 hectares in size, but the cooler weather has helped firefighters build containment lines.

READ MORE: No significant growth on Mt. Law wildfire near West Kelowna

The drive-by parades became a common way for residents to show support for essential workers during the pandemic and as a Kelowna General Hospital nurse, she remembers how special they made her feel.

“This is something small that we could do so that they know how grateful our hearts are for what they did for us,” she said.

Williams is not sure how many people will be show up but hopes they don't clog the streets "too much."

"At the same time, it's kind of like a beautiful clog so hopefully people are conscious and as long as they're respectful for the emergency crews," Williams said.

Parade goers will gather at the Westbank Seventh-day Adventist Church’s parking lot between 5:30 and 5:40 p.m. today, Aug. 19. From there, vehicles will travel along Glenrosa Road to Gates Road and past the fire hall before turning onto Blue Jay Drive and then McLeod Road, McGinnis Road and then back to Glenrosa Road.

Parade goers are encouraged to bring signs, balloons and pots and pans.

READ MORE: Okanagan firefighter lost home to White Rock Lake wildfire

Vernon residents have been gathering outside the wildfire firefighter camp at Kal Tire Place to show their support by cheering and waving signs.

The parade route

Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Erin Williams

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