‘Fighting 100 years worth of fires in one night’: Kelowna, B.C. residents share views as wildfires burn homes to the ground

Kelowna residents got very little sleep Thursday night as evacuation warnings became orders and flames, fanned by strong winds, painted the night sky orange as wildfires neared the lakeside community nestled in Southern British Columbia.

Friday morning brought states of emergencies issued for Clifton area of downtown Kelowna and the City of West Kelowna, closure of airspace and cancellation of flights at Kelowna International Airport and over 2,400 properties under an evacuation order, according to media.

“It was a devastating night last night, probably one of the toughest of my career.. the toughest of all of our firefighter’s careers,” said West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund during a Friday presser.

“We fought hard last night to protect our communities,” the chief went on to say. “It was like fighting 100 years worth of fires in one night.”

BC Wildfire Service map showing active fires and evacuation orders as of 1 p.m. PST

Yahoo Canada connected with some Kelowna residents and gathered social reaction on how they experienced the night as wildfires barreled towards their city.

Devon Spittle

Neighbourhood: Wilden

Status: under evacuation order

I lost my house in 2003 to the Okanagan Mountain Park fire. This time I wanted to see everything up close instead of watching from a distance. I was a little cold on the water so the heat from the fire warmed me up and I also wanted a good video. As soon as I saw the fire jump the lake, I headed home. Everything was locked down immediately.Devon Spittle, Wilden, B.C. resident

@Shawnlafond

I spotted a hero tonight driving back into the fire after all the other fire trucks had pulled out… This man deserves a raise…@Shondaland, B.C. resident

Samantha SmithRob MosesNeighbourhood: East KelownaStatus: No evacuation order or warning

When I was shooting this photo, it didn’t even feel real. I felt like I was in a movie. Like how is this happening right in front of me? When the fire jumped the lake last night, friends of ours got evacuated and they had to come spend the night at our house. Then this morning, my parent’s neighbourhood got evacuated too.Rob Moses, East Kelowna, B.C. resident

Kyle BrittainGrant RammelKatie MurrayNeighbourhood: North KelownaStatus: Undetermined

My family is striving to maintain a positive outlook despite the fear that comes with a situation like this. What helps us shine even brighter is seeing the strong sense of community that you feel in Kelowna right now. Despite the sadness caused by the burning of our community, it is truly heartwarming to witness everyone uniting and extending a helping hand to one another… love always wins at the end of the day.Katie Murray, North Kelowna, B.C. resident

Neighbourhood in north Kelowna as wildfire nears

Coleen ChristieAllie Huggins@Okanaganpartylife

Heartbreaking to see the damage the fire has caused and is still causing. We are praying for everyone’s safety.@okanaganpartylife

Arden Gross-WoodskeLocation: Knox Mountain

Seeing this before me is just like a movie. It was just around 10 p.m. Me and a bunch of people were watching the West Kelowna fire and a girl beside me spotted it, and at first we weren’t sure it was a fire, but within several minutes, it grew quite a bit.Arden Gross-Woodske, Knox Mountain, B.C. resident

Shaelynn Joelle

Literally watched the houses burn down.Shaelynn Joelle, B.C. resident

If you or anyone you know would like to share their experience with the Kelowna wildfires, or submit photos or videos they have taken, please email corne.vanhoepen@yahooinc.com.