Planned aerial ignitions continue on McDougall Creek Wildfire

Aerial attacks are underway as wildfire crews drop fire from the sky as planned ignitions continue in the fight against the McDougall Creek Wildfire in West Kelowna.

The planned ignitions are happening between the top of the Bald Range area south to roughly 11 kilometres on the Bear Main, according to a Central Okanagan Emergency Operations media release issued this afternoon, Aug. 25.

The operation is supported by ground crews, heavy equipment and aerial resources.

“Crews are working hard to strengthen control lines in the northern portion of the fire with BC Wildfire Service,” North Westside Fire Rescue chief Ross Kotscherofski said in the release.

“While we are making good progress, there is a lot of work to do to make this area safe. I also want to reassure residents that regular emergency services like first medical response and regular fire suppression continue to be available.”

READ MORE: Half of Wilson’s Landing firefighters lost homes in 'violent' McDougall Creek firestorm

Properties north of Terrace Mountain Road along Westside Road including La Casa up to and including Fintry Provincial Park remain under evacuation order.

For latest on the evacuation orders and alerts, go the the emergency operations centre map here.

Now that the weather is clearer, boaters are being asked to avoid the area north of W.R. Bennett Bridge and Fintry Provincial Park so they don’t get in the way of aerial fire support.

Controlled burned were taking place in West Kelowna yesterday as well. 

The McDougall Creek Wildfire was discovered Aug. 15, and has grown to an estimated 12,318 hectares.

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