CITY OF WEST KELOWNA COMMUNITY UPDATE: AUGUST 23, 2023

McDougall Creek Wildfire

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

For all McDougall Creek Wildfire information, please contact cordemergency.ca.

McDougall Creek Wildfire Moving Toward ‘Held’ Status by BC Wildfire

• The McDougall Creek Wildfire is moving toward ‘held’ status by BC Wildfire and is currently NOT deemed under control. This means we are still in an active wildfire stage in West Kelowna. BC Wildfire indicated that promising weather conditions, including cooler temperatures (along with 2.0 mm of rain last night!) is providing greater stability and fire suppression.

• The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and the City of West Kelowna sincerely thank the community for adhering to all Evacuation Alerts and Orders issued from the EOC. Please watch for rescinding alerts and orders issued from the EOC that will be completed in small stages when it is safe to do so. All Emergency Support Services information is found on cordemergency.ca.

• As reported today from Chief Brolund of West Kelowna Fire Rescue, it has been confirmed that a total of 84 properties within the City of West Kelowna and on Westbank First Nation land have experienced damage. Note the number 84 is of properties, not structures. Further mapping and structure identification will result in the number of structures damaged and/or lost in the days ahead. Personal contact with all property owners who have experienced damage to their property in West Kelowna and on Westbank First Nation land remains a top priority. This will take time and, for those affected, we thank you for your patience for a safe return home.

• A coordinated return and recovery plan between the EOC and the City of West Kelowna is underway. Updates will be issued by cordemergency.ca followed by City-specific information. Please ensure you have subscribed to receive the City’s news and alerts at westkelownacity.ca/subscribe.

View Today’s News Conference

The recorded news conference from today, August 23, can be viewed below.

• NEW! Water Regulations Downgraded to Stage 3 Effective Immediately: Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the West Kelowna community to reduce water consumption during the most aggressive McDougall Creek Wildfire phase, the City has downgraded the water regulations to Stage 3 effective immediately. Fire fighters express their sincere thanks to everyone who reduced water consumption to help protect our water levels. Stage 3 Water Regulations are in effect until further notice.

• A Do Not Consume Order remains in place for the entire Rose Valley and West Kelowna Estates Water Systems.

• A Boil Water Notice for the Sunnyside/Pritchard Water Service Area remains in place.

• westkelownacity.ca/waterqualitymap

• drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca
• Interior Health Water Advisory Information