West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund said there would be more smoke today due to controlled burns.

(MARSHALL JONES / iNFOnews.ca)

Thousands of people evacuated due to the McDougall Creek Wildfire in and around West Kelowna now know the status of their homes.

For those relieved that their houses are still standing, the anxiety doesn’t go away as they worry about the food spoiling in their fridges and freezers and other consequences of the fire.

“We are still firefighting in many of these neighborhoods,” West Kelowna Fire Rescue Chief Jason Brolund said during a news conference today, Aug. 24. “We’re chasing down hot spots. We’re dealing with smoke which could potentially be flames and even larger issues.”

Neighbourhoods have to be made safe before crews from BC Hydro and other utility workers can do their jobs.

“The fire needs to be out,” Brolund said. “We need to have addressed the debris and hazards. The neighbourhood needs to be protected with either mop-up and extinguishment completed and perhaps even a fire guard in place.

“We need to make sure it’s secure and you have a travel route to get in and out of your neighbourhood. We’re also looking at utilities and making sure there is water sufficient enough in the fire hydrants to fight a house fire in that neighbourhood that may be completely unrelated to the incident.

“We need to address the risk and make sure there is no chance of things getting worse because we don’t want to have to evacuate anyone a second time.”

READ MORE: Children flee in time as West Kelowna wildfire destroys summer camp on Okanagan Lake

Part of that effort includes controlled burns that started today in the steeper slopes northwest of Shannon Lake Golf Course and, weather permitting, in the Smith Creek drainage.

The morning lineup of firetrucks heading to the McDougall Creek Wildfire earlier this week. The evening fire truck parade on Old Okanagan Highway have now come to an end.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK/BC Wildfire Service

“The crews have spent the last two days preparing hose lines and hand guards to address the areas of unburned fuel on the steep slopes that could challenge containment in the future,” BC Wildfire Service's fire commander Brad Litke said at the press conference.

While the weather has been cool and a bit damp over the last few days, helping firefighting efforts, it’s expected to heat up through the weekend and it’s still a long way to go before the summer fire season is over, he warned.

While 32 fire engines have left West Kelowna to go back to their homes, Brolund stressed he has the equipment he needs on hand.

For those concerned about the controlled burn, he’s assembled “one of the largest structural fire departments in the country” at the foot of the slope, he said.

“It’s going to be visible,” Brolund said. “People are going to see it and think things are getting worse and they’re not. It’s a part of making things better. Don’t be scared. Don’t be worried when you see the smoke. See it as a sign of really expert people doing good work to get you home.”

READ MORE: How were you alerted to evacuate for Central Okanagan wildfires?

The McDougall Creek Wildfire has burned 12,318 ha and is still considered out of control.

The Walroy Lake Wildfire in Kelowna is rated as being held and has burned 794 ha.

Kelowna Fire Chief Travis Whiting said all evacuated Kelowna residents will be able to return home by the end of the day but they should check cordemergency.ca to see when it's their turn.

The Clarke Creek Wildfire in Lake Country has burned 370 ha and is also rated as being held.

Evacuees were urged to go to cordemergency.ca for updates on when evacuation orders will be downgraded and for information on how to prepare to return home.

Brolund would not speculate on when everyone will be able to return home as that will be decided on a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood basis. Some people won’t be able to return until their homes are rebuilt, he said.

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