Okanagan impacted by wildfires, COVID, heat as region looks to pandemic recovery

KELOWNA (NEWS 1130) – Wildfires, high heat, and COVID-19 — again — are being seen as a triple-hit for tourism in the central Okanagan region, with the long weekend almost upon us.

The area, which is known as a go-to destination for vacationers from across B.C., Canada, and even the world, had been hoping for a summer of recovery.

The sector has been hit hard by pandemic restrictions. As B.C. entered stage three of its restart plan earlier this month, there was hope things were looking up.

But then there was an early start to the wildfire season, and it’s dragged on, hitting the Southern Interior particularly hard. Smoke and ash have been getting even worse over the past few days for popular spots around Okanagan Lake.

Many people looking to camp for the weekend have taken to online groups to inquire about conditions and share photos of what they’re dealing with.


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Some say they’ve tried their best to tough it out.

“We just dropped everything and left Fintry (near Kelowna) tonight at 8 p.m. to go home,” reads one post on a Facebook group posted Wednesday, accompanied by a picture showing a hazy view of the lake.

“Tolerated the smoke for 5 days and just couldn’t do it anymore. Today was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. You couldn’t even see the lake and it looked cloudy. Smelled like fire and ashes were falling. An evacuation alert was 8 km as well down the road. This picture was taken at around noon but it only got worse as the day went on. We don’t regret leaving,” the post added.

Others have shared similar experiences, saying they’ve have to leave their campsites days early because the conditions were just too unbearable.

“Heavy smoke. I’d avoid if I were you,” another person writes.

There are currently 245 active fires across B.C. — the majority of which are burning in the Kamloops and Southeast fire centres. With another heatwave upon us, there are fears the wildfire situation could worsen.

High temperatures and low humidity are also making for some aggressive conditions for people wanting to be outside.

Related video: Central Okanagan businesses prepare for new rules, fear future restrictions

To make matters worse, the Central Okanagan COVID-19 outbreak has meant a return to some pandemic measures, and a plea for anyone not fully vaccinated to stay away unless their travel is essential.

Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of the Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association, says the timing of things is tough, but adds members are going to cooperate.

“We do know that it’s been a tough 15 months and everyone is trying to get back on track,” she said. “In order to get these numbers down, if there needs to be masking up and other restrictions, then we will follow what the health order is.”

The outbreak was declared due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the Central Okanagan area.

As of Thursday, masks are once again mandatory in indoor public spaces in that part of the Okanagan, and masks are encouraged outdoors if physical distancing isn’t possible. Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and gyms are allowed to stay open with safety protocols. B.C.’s top doctor says the new regional approach will also include business inspections being stepped up.

-With files from Denise Wong

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