Loading ...But we were told the Shuswap Fire advanced 20kms in 24 hours. How could that be?
I live 10kms from the western edge of this massive fire in BC. There is just forest between us and the fire. Luckily it is now contained.
It has now been revealed that the BC Wildfire Service set a “backburn” to clear the forest of fuel in the way of the fire. The wind was supposed to take the new line of fire NorthWest in the direction of the leading edge to eliminate the underbrush and trees and to create a buffer so when the original fire reached the new prescribed burn it would burn out on itself. It would save the village of Scotch Creek and Celista. These areas were 15 kms from the fire and not in any danger as yet.
So they set the backburn maybe 5 kms from the villages and 10kms to the southern edge of the fire.
Well the wind shifted 180 degrees, burned right to the lake and destroyed almost all of these two villages. But we were initially told it had advanced 20kms over night. Nothing was mentioned that it was set by the fire crews to save the villages.
It was only a matter of time before the lie was exposed by those who stayed behind to defend their homes. One of the resaon they wanted everyone out. They other is for safety of course.
This couple saved a number of homes successfully. The lake is right there and they likely had gas fired pumps in the lake when the power went out.
A Lahaina situation as it was incompetence.
I would have been your neighbor once upon a time Columbia. Almost bought a home and farm in Enderby years ago and lived for awhile in Salmon Arm, Vernon and Kelowna. I certainly know the area although its been two decades plus since I last saw it. What a shame what’s happening there. It was always dry and potentially a tinder box but the locals cared for their back yard and mostly kept fires from breaking free of containment. I can hardly imagine what you are going through. Very sorry to hear about this.
Thanks Farmer. We were away in Vancouver or camping so we missed most of the smoke.
Many of my friends likely lost cottages in the fire. Not sure if they know yet.
Now we know it was totally avoidable.
We were not threatened by the fire but when we heard it jumped 20kms in 24 hours it caused us to sit up and take notice even though the direction was away from us.
Many lost everything just like Lahaina without loss of life.