Our prayers are with George, Louise and Graham Gibson [see previous post] today as the fires in Kelowna rage towards their beautiful home. Firefighters are battling walls of fire 400 feet high with wind gusts from 60 to 70 km/h advancing the flames 100 meters per minute. They were evacuated Thursday night and are safe at George’s sister, Dixie. People were given 1hr notice to leave and they were able to get out with pictures, important papers, some mementos and a few antiques. Today could be a very tragic event for them.
Click here for a thermal image map kelowna-fire location vs. Geo&Louis taken on Aug. 23 at 4am.
Family Jots and Thoughts
Connecting Our Extended Families
For up to the minute coverage on the Kelowna fires go to Castanet Firewatch
I just received a call from Karen McDonald and she was forwarding information that George and Louise had to evacuate a second location (Dixie’s home) and they were 99% sure their home has fallen victim to this terrible fire storm. They have not seen pictures of the area yet to confirm, but their home phone and services are out while the neighbours home (further away from advancing fire line) are still operational.
I was just on the Kelowna Fire chat board and so far 100 homes have burnt down on Oakaview… not much hope.
A recent thermal map view. Looks like Gibson’s home is burning for sure :(
George and Louise are to be taken on a bus tour this afternoon (along with other area residents) to see first hand the extent of fire damage. No press allowed, and no one is allowed off the bus.
Update: This information was incorrect. They took the press on the bus and not area residents. It’s also evident they were allowed off the buses. See today’s press released fire photos here.
Final Verification :( Martha found the last picture in today’s press pack on the net.
oh my God. My heart is so heavy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gibsons at this dreadfull time.
UP
As of Sept 5 the Ministry of Forestry reports the fire is now 23,600 hectares. 650 firefighters, 22 helicopters, 200 pieces of heavy equipment are working the blaze. It remains 60% contained.
Weather has made fire fighting difficult. Weather is 10C higher than normal. Every afternoon the wind picks up in the hills making fighting the fire difficult. East side of fire could move 5 – 8 km today.
Myra Canyon is too difficult for fire fighters to operate in. Six train trestles have been lost (numbers 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10) The wood decks on the metal trestles 6 and 8 have been burned off. Trestles 1, 2, 11-19 are okay. Visibility is currently very poor in the canyon.
http://www.kettlevalleytrail.com/
An Early Morning Ride on a
Myra Canyon Trestle