Kelowna Launches Urgent Wildfire Evacuation Drill for Residents

UPDATE: Kelowna residents are now better equipped for emergencies following an urgent wildfire evacuation drill held over the weekend. This historic exercise marked the first of its kind in the city, with dozens of households participating to enhance their preparedness for potential wildfires.

“This is the first time we’ve ever done it in Kelowna,” stated Brittany Seibert, emergency program manager with the Kelowna Fire Department. With wildfires increasingly threatening the area, especially after thousands were evacuated during the McDougall Creek Wildfire in 2023, the need for such drills has never been clearer.

The evacuation drill took place on Saturday, focusing on two high-risk neighborhoods: Wilden and Magic Estates. Out of 75 registered households, approximately half actively engaged in the exercise, which was designed to test response procedures and educate the public on evacuation protocols.

“This drill targets areas that were put on alert and then ordered to evacuate last year,” explained Dwight Seymour, Kelowna fire chief. “It’s critical for new residents to understand the risks involved.” Alongside the fire department, multiple support agencies, including Emergency Social Services and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, collaborated on the drill.

Participants gathered at a muster station set up in the parking lot of Prospera Place, where they were instructed on immediate evacuation procedures. “Residents understand they need to evacuate on alert, but when an immediate order is issued, we want them to act swiftly,” Seymour emphasized.

The drill also provided insights into evacuation routes, aiming to prevent congestion as residents flee simultaneously. Participants received crucial reminders about the distinctions between evacuation alerts, orders, and tactical evacuations—situations where residents must evacuate without delay due to imminent danger.

“We face immediate threats to residents and their properties,” Seymour added. “In a tactical scenario, there’s no time for alerts; they must evacuate now.”

Conducted in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada, the drill included a post-exercise survey to gather valuable feedback from participants, ensuring continuous improvement in emergency response strategies.

“It’s never going to be rainbow and sunshine when it comes to an emergency,” Seibert remarked. “But we want residents to feel a sense of control and understanding of what to expect during such situations.”

As wildfires remain a pressing concern for Kelowna and surrounding areas, the success of this drill will undoubtedly inform future preparedness initiatives. Residents are urged to stay informed about emergency protocols as the fire season progresses.

Stay tuned for further updates as Kelowna continues to prioritize community safety through proactive measures.