5 minute read
Global Connections — Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Kelowna Fire 2023
BY CAROL TURKO
I have spent most of my life on the Canadian prairies, where I raised my two sons. Then, I followed my dream to move west to the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada.
On August 15th, 2023, a wildfire started in the McDougall Creek area and spread quickly to West Kelowna, then across the lake to Kelowna. I was on my way home from a long vacation out east when I heard of this aggressive wildfire that was quickly advancing. At first, I did not take note of it because we have fires in the Okanagan every summer. But this soon proved to be a very aggressive wildfire, as it moved through whole neighborhoods along West Side road. It was being likened to the fire Kelowna had experienced exactly 20 years before, on August 16th, 2003, which started with a lightning strike and resulted in hundreds of homes lost. This recent, very aggressive wildfire destroyed nearly 200 homes and other structures; its cause remains under investigation.
As I drove home through Sicamouse, BC, almost 2 hours away from Kelowna, it was apparent that a wildfire was also in this area. Smoke began seeping into my SUV. My eyes were burning, and I was coughing profusely. It was the middle of the day, yet it looked like the middle of the night. The gray smoke that filled the air had a red tinge to it, leaving me with an eerie feeling and uncertain if I should keep driving. Kelowna was declared a state of emergency as thousands were evacuated from their homes. My home on Dilworth Mountain had not received an evacuation alert, so I kept driving.
When I arrived home, all the vehicles were covered with ash, which was falling so heavily that it looked like snow in the air. My neighbors had their sprinklers on to prevent any embers from starting spot fires. When I walked into my house, it smelled of smoke.
This blazing wildfire systematically burnt down houses on the west side of Lake Okanagan as it made its way to the Lake Okanogan Resort and burnt it to the ground. There was nothing left. Unfortunately, the winds were extremely high that night, and large embers from the fire at Lake Okanagan Resort blew across the lake to Kelowna, to the Knox Mountain and Wilden areas, very close to where I live, starting fires there. Then, fires spread to the landfill located behind my place. The neighbors told me to stay indoors as large airborne particles were very hazardous if breathed in. The air quality index was off the chart. On a scale of 10, the air was rated 11+ hazardous. As I looked out of my window overlooking the city, I prayed according to Psalm 18:33, You make my feet…as those of a deer, and you help me stand on mountains (CEV). I prayed, Father God, I pray that the firefighters are sure-footed and able to stand firm and strong. Let them know where to go and when to go so they will not be trapped by the fire. Give them your guidance. I thank you, Lord, that I’m safe on this mountain.
When I closed my eyes, I could see angels everywhere, assisting in this battle.
There were reports of explosions, most likely occurring when the fire reached propane tanks. People shared online that the fire made a terrifying, fierce, roaring sound as it burned down house after house in its path. Residents who fled from their homes painfully watched on their house cameras as the fire took their home and their neighbors.
The Kelowna Westbank fire chief reported his appreciation for his men as they battled the violent wildfires with courage and commitment. Despite their own homes being in danger, they never stopped fighting for others. As they fought, 13 firefighters from Wilson’s Landing Fire Department, including the fire chief, lost their homes. One firefighter was scheduled to participate in his Canadian citizenship ceremony during this time but chose to stay and fight the wildfires, so provisions were made to hold his ceremony virtually, behind the fire line.
One lady explained that she didn’t pack when she got the evacuation alert, thinking she would have time to put a few things in a bag when the order came. When it did, she took her time, even making a phone call. When she finally got in her vehicle to leave, the road she planned to exit on was in flames, so she went in the opposite direction, but it was the same situation. She was trapped. She decided to run a few streets over and get into the lake. She was later rescued.
In all that chaos and danger, not one life was lost. And not one firefighter or first responder was harmed.
It is so amazing how people came together to help each other in times of crisis. Many were donating food, clothing, and water and offering their homes to people who were displaced. Some restaurants gave meals to the firefighters and first responders. Green Bay Bible Camp canceled its summer kids camp and offered to take in 300 evacuees for free. There were so many more humanitarian acts.
I was so encouraged and thankful to hear that the Women World Leaders were praying for us here in Kelowna. Their words were so encouraging to me, and it warmed my heart to know that sisters in the Lord from other nations were praying for us.
Through it all, God spoke to me about His fire, a purifying and refining spiritual fire. God has a fire coming, a purifying of the heart, to bring holiness back to this confused world. This year, the wildfires were global. I sensed God saying His desire is for a global holiness movement. Praise our God, who is in control.
