Illegal Campfire Blamed for West Kelowna Wildfire That Forced Evacuations
Investigators have determined that an illegal campfire sparked a destructive wildfire in West Kelowna’s Kalamoir Regional Park earlier this week, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes and burning more than nine hectares of land.
The fire broke out on Tuesday on the south side of the approximately 30-hectare park and rapidly grew due to strong winds. Residents described scenes of panic as the blaze approached residential areas.
“RCMP came up to me and said, ‘You have one minute sir to leave and the fire is 500 meters from your front door,'” said resident Bert Legault. “People panicked.”
Park Remains Closed Amid Significant Hazards
Although the fire has been extinguished, officials warn that substantial dangers remain throughout the park, which remains closed to the public. Wayne Darlington, park capital planning and asset management manager for the Regional District of Central Okanagan, said the fire caught many off guard.
“The fire was quite unexpected,” Darlington said during a tour of the burned area, where he pointed out numerous hazards including unstable terrain, dangerous trees, and hidden ash pits.
“We have burned trees that could potentially fall, injure or harm people,” Darlington explained. “We have rocks that may have broken from the heat of the fire and could fall and hurt people. We have burn holes on the sides of the paths where a tree used to be and we call them ash pits.”
Fuel Mitigation Measures Credited With Limiting Damage
Officials estimate about a third of the park burned in the blaze. However, West Kelowna’s fire chief said the damage could have been far worse without preventive measures implemented in recent years.
“This is a fire we have been planning for for decades,” West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund said earlier this week. “The regional district carried out forest firefighting measures in the park on a day like today and it has proven itself.”
Assessment Underway for Potential Reopening
Geotechnical specialists and hazard tree experts are expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the park early next week to evaluate the full extent of the damage and determine whether portions can be safely reopened.
For now, officials urge the public to stay away from the park. “We care about public safety and public safety is our number one priority,” Darlington said.
Authorities remind the public that bonfires are not permitted in parks and can result in fines of up to $1,000.
