The Glenmore Landfill
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/City of Kelowna
August 24, 2023 - 5:30 PM
When suspected embers from the McDougall Creek Wildfire crossed Okanagan Lake from the Trader's Cove area, they landed in Kelowna sparking the new Walroy Lake Wildfire that spread to the Kelowna landfill.
Most of the fires that burned at the landfill on Glenmore Road were in grass and wood, but the risk of toxic fumes being generated are being investigated, according to city manager Doug Gilchrist.
“There were multiple fires on the site,” Gilchrist said. “One had to do with the wood waste area, which is now out. There were some grass fires and a couple others.”
The Walroy Lake Wildfire started in the Clifton Road/Wilden area but spread eastward to the landfill. Two of the three homes that were destroyed by the fire were near the intersection of Glenmore Road and John Hindle Drive, which run past the landfill.
Kelowna fire chief Travis Whiting said earlier this week, the houses were between a trailer park and the dog park to the north.
Two fires at the landfill in July were likely caused by discarded batteries but the fires last week were definitely caused by drifting wildfire embers, Gilchrist said.
READ MORE: Cause of back-to-back fires at Kelowna landfill not what you might think
As garbage is dumped at the Glenmore landfill, it’s covered with layers of dirt that prevents fires from either being generated underground or burning into the ground to reach toxic materials. Until it’s buried, that garbage is exposed to the air. Gilchrist didn’t say whether any garbage actually burned.
Garbage from throughout the Central Okanagan is deposited at the landfill so collection was suspended last Friday. Garbage collection for those outside evacuation alert and order areas resumed on Monday after alternative arrangements were made.
Yard waste pickup is still suspended, but recycling is still being collected. Recycling does not go to the landfill.
There is no word yet on when the Kelowna landfill will reopen.
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