Destructive West Kelowna blaze that spurred B.C.’s wildfire crisis is under control

By Ashley Joannou THE CANADIAN PRESS WEST KELOWNA, B.C.- The large wildfire that destroyed dozens of homes in West Kelowna, B.C., and was a key front in the province’s most devastating fire season on record is now considered “held” after raging out of control since mid-August. The 139-square-kilometre McDougall Creek fire destroyed or damaged nearly 190 properties and forced the evacuation of thousands of people. The province’s wildfire service said that while holding the fire is an important milestone, there’s still much work ahead and multiple hazards are present in some areas. The classification means officials believe the blaze is not likely to spread past predetermined boundaries under current conditions. “The response to a fire of this scale requires strong teamwork and collaboration across jurisdictions,” an online statement by the BC…

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