Glenrosa wildfire 40 per cent contained: B.C. officials

Sunday, July 19, 2009 | 7:39 PM PT CBC NEWS:

Officials with B.C.'s Wildfire Management Branch say the most harmful wildfire burning in the Okanagan is 40 per cent contained. The blaze, which broke out Saturday at about 2 p.m. in West Kelowna, is being fought by 125 firefighters, eight air tankers, 10 helicopters and several pieces of heavy machinery. Approximately 11,000 people in the Glenrosa area remain under an evacuation order, and an additional 6,500 people are under an evacuation alert. Since the fire started Saturday afternoon, flames have destroyed at least nine buildings, including three houses, and charred 3.5 square kilometres in West Kelowna. Thick smoke in the area led officials to close Highway 97 in both directions where it connects to Highway 97C. Residents affected by the evacuation order are being asked to report to emergency evacuation reception centres at Royal LePage Place at 2760 Cameron Rd. and Mount Boucherie Secondary School at 2751 Cameron Rd.

Air tankers and firefighters worked all day Sunday to contain the West Kelowna blazes. (CBC)

Concerned residents or relatives can call 1-250-469-8490. Residents who are unable to reach evacuation centres are asked to call 778-797-2269. Meanwhile, a fire burning on Terrace Mountain near Fintry, north of the Glenrosa fire, is still out of control Officials said Sunday evening that fire is estimated to cover 8.5 square kilometers, up from just 2.5 square kilometres earlier in the day, but it is not threatening any homes or other buildings. More than 60 firefighters are on scene, along with four helicopters. Officials believe the fire was caused by a person.

A smaller fire four kilometres from the Glenrosa blaze in the Rose Valley Reservoir continued to burn Sunday. That blaze is estimated to be one square kilometre in size. More than 1,500 people were put on evacuation alert Sunday morning as crews struggled to lay a line of fire retardant around the fire. By Sunday afternoon, officials said firefighters managed to surround 90 per cent of the fire. Officials say they believe that fire was caused by a person, but the details are still under investigation.