(West Kelowna) The massive wildfire that destroyed dozens of homes in West Kelowna, British Columbia, is now considered “contained,” after raging out of control since mid-August.
The McDougall Creek Fire, which spans 139 square kilometers, has destroyed or damaged nearly 190 properties and forced the evacuation of thousands of people.
The province’s forest fire service says that while containing the fire is an important step, there is still much work to be done and multiple dangers are still present in some areas.
Nearly all evacuation orders that remained in effect for the Regional District of Central Okanagan and the City of West Kelowna have been canceled, with the exception of a handful of properties in West Kelowna.
PHOTO DARRYL DYCK, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Most evacuation alerts are also lifted.
The fire department says residents can expect to see smoke in the area until there is significant rain or snow.
About half of the 400 structures or homes destroyed so far during British Columbia’s record wildfire season were in the Kelowna area.