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A satellite image taken prior to the ignition of a wildfire in West Kelowna highlights the potential for the fire to expand rapidly. The McDougall Creek wildfire grew quickly due to powerful winds and high temperatures. The wind direction indicated that the fire was ready to spread, according to Mike Flannigan, a professor at Thompson Rivers University specializing in fire weather and climate change.

Flannigan tracked the fire as it moved towards West Kelowna. While the infrared satellite imagery he had access to did not provide much detail, it still showed the growth of the fire. By Thursday evening, the wildfire had reached 1,100 hectares and exhibited dangerous Rank 5 fire behavior.

The fire was driven by a dry cold front, which brought hot winds and pushed the fire towards the Okanagan Valley. However, orbital delays and heavy smoke hindered the satellite imaging company Planet Labs’ ability to capture the fire’s growth. The combination of extreme fire conditions and drought exacerbated the situation.

As a result, parts of West Kelowna underwent a tactical evacuation to ensure the safety of residents. Numerous homes were destroyed, and the fire crossed Okanagan Lake, spreading to the north of Kelowna. The University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus was also evacuated, and Kelowna’s landfill caught fire.

Due to the severity of the fire and the threats to people and property in the region, a state of emergency was declared. Authorities warned against visiting the area and implemented a ban on temporary accommodations. As of August 21, the McDougall Creek wildfire had burned 11,000 hectares, but cooler temperatures and smoky skies have reduced its intensity.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund reported that at least 50 structures were damaged or destroyed. Flannigan stated that all the conditions for extreme fire weather were present before the fire started. This year’s wildfire season in Canada has been devastating, with over 14 million hectares burned across the country.

Although fire activity has calmed down, thousands of firefighters and aircraft are still battling fires in British Columbia. Flannigan expressed concern that the fire weather conditions could worsen again, posing a continued threat to firefighters’ mental and physical health.

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