Massive Fire Erupts in the Glen Rosa area of West Kelowna, BC!

Around three o’clock this afternoon a forest fire broke out in the Glen Rosa area of West Kelowna, BC, in the vicinity of the Gorman Brothers Lumber Mill. Fire crews have been working in strong force since then to contain this fire that is being driven by thirty kilometer an hour winds and temperatures of up to forty degrees. By eight this evening the fire has grown to over 70 hectares evacuating over three thousand homes and Highway 97 has been closed in both directions in the area. Global BC News reported that this year the Okanagan has seen over half the rain and snow shed as usual.

With dusk now upon the valley, the retardant bombers will be heading home to Penticton for the night resuming containment efforts at day break tomorrow. This fire is being matched to the Okanagan Mountain Park fire of 2003 with chance of becoming extremely worse.
Another fire was reported to have started on the north end of Okanagan Lake in the Vernon area. For the current fire reports evacuation notices and information, please visit Kelowna's Castanet Homepage.

In the list provided are more links to relevant sites that may be of interest…

Vancouver Sun, Kelowna Fire story

CHBC News, Westside Fire Updates

~Pesky Bears~

Can people live in harmony with bears? What do you think?

See my latest article, Can people live in harmony with Bears, for my feelings on the subject.

*Summer Luv from Okanagan Wildlife*
Jessica

~Poetry: Fireworks~

Fire exploded in the sky

Igniting a fire in my life.

A new leaf grew and turned in the sun,

Growing from the darkest part of my soul

Into the light exploding in the humid, night sky.




From the dark, warmth of that summer night

Fireworks exploded for days.

The world surrounding, did not matter anymore

As the Booms, Cracks, and snaps of the blasts

echoed across the lake and erupting high in the distance.



The span of time left so much,

While uncovering how to finally move on.

Colours so vivid, light up a sky previously so dull

Reassuringly, welcoming blessings of a fresh new year.




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