Report into destructive 2023 Okanagan wildfires details how fire spread
A comprehensive new report has been released detailing the devastating and costly impact of the 2023 Central Okanagan wildfires. The report, titled “A wildland-urban post-fire case study: The Grouse Complex,” delves into the factors that contributed to the spread of the fires in communities and why certain homes were more susceptible to catching fire than others. It also emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of homes being engulfed in flames, as advocated by FireSmart.
The Grouse Complex wildfires, which erupted in August 2023 following a prolonged period of drought, encompassed the McDougall Creek, Walroy Lake, and Clarke Creek wildfires in the Okanagan Lake region. These wildfires scorched a total of 15,076 hectares, forcing over 30,000 individuals to evacuate their homes and causing damage to or destruction of 303 structures. The impact of the fires was felt across West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Kelowna, and the District of Lake Country, resulting in insured losses nearing half a billion dollars and ranking among the most catastrophic wildland-urban fires in the area’s history.
The report sheds light on how the fires infiltrated residential areas primarily through airborne burning embers rather than direct flames. Once within neighborhoods, these embers proliferated, spreading through yards and leading to the ignition of closely spaced homes through structure-to-structure contact. West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund described the fire as ferocious, likening it to a firestorm that devastated the community. He expressed his appreciation for the study conducted in his community and endorsed the findings outlined in the report, which align with the proactive measures advocated by FireSmart.
The report’s analysis of 21 damaged homes and 17 undamaged homes revealed common characteristics among the structures that succumbed to the flames. These included the presence of coniferous trees within close proximity to the homes, steep terrain, combustible siding and decks, and a plethora of easily ignitable materials nearby. In contrast, homes that remained unscathed lacked these risk factors.
The report elucidates the sequence of events that led to the destruction of homes, as flying embers ignited surrounding vegetation and materials, subsequently engulfing the structures in flames. Brolund emphasized the importance of landscaping and construction choices in preventing home loss and highlighted the need for communities to adapt to living with the looming threat of wildfires in the future.
In response to the challenges posed by increasing wildfire frequency and severity, Brolund’s fire department has been actively promoting FireSmart recommendations to mitigate risks. The municipality is also exploring regulatory measures to bolster wildfire resilience, with plans to present a wildfire resiliency strategy to the mayor and council for consideration in the near future. As the community braces itself for future fire seasons, the collective effort to implement proactive measures and enhance preparedness remains paramount in safeguarding lives and properties from the ravages of wildfires.
