Mt. Law wildfire in West Kelowna (Photo credit: Russ Byth)

By Liam Verster

West Kelowna

Fire suppression activities continue at Mt. Law wildfire

Aug 19, 2021 | 1:42 PM

WEST KELOWNA, B.C. — While the Mt. Law fire near West Kelowna is still classified as out of control, Central Okanagan Emergency Operations (COEO) says the fire suppression work is ongoing and making ground.

In a release, the COEO said the weather conditions are favourable and crews are on the scene actively fighting the fire.

“We have 33 structural firefighters from six fire departments (West Kelowna, Sundre Alberta, Woss Lake, Pt. McNeill, North Cowichan, Willowbrook) and 10 trucks and equipment on the fire lines today,” said West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund.

“They’re continuing to extinguish hot spots and flare ups around homes within the fire perimeter in order to make the areas safe with the goal of eventually rescinding the evacuation order. BC Wildfire (BCWS) crews continue to action active fire areas on the hillsides with both air and ground support.”

There had been no change to the evacuation orders or alerts Thursday, and the Mt. Law wildfire is still estimated to be 800 hectares in size.

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People are advised to continue to monitor the fire, as spot fires that could threaten homes may spread quickly, and anyone who sees a flare up should call 911.

People returning to areas that are now on alert are warned that hazards may be present on their properties. The fire may have caused power lines to go down; burnt trees may be fragile and could fall; damaged roots may have caused the ground to become unstable; and food in refrigerators and freezers may have spoiled during a power outage. People returning home after being evacuated are advised to refer to the B.C. Emergency Preparedness website.

The fire may have also displaced wild animals, and people who see an animal in distress are asked to contact the conservation office at 250-828-2551.

Those still under evacuation orders can access support at the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at 1480 Sutherland Ave. Evacuees are asked to register at the ESS website or by calling 1-833-498-3770.