248 Homes destroyed, over 20,000 hectares burned, over 100 million dollars in property lost, 30,000 people evacuated, 850 firefighters and personnel, 400 Canadian Armed Forces, 250 pieces of heavy equipment, 18 helicopters, water bombers, volunteers and an entire city's support... The worst disaster to ever hit this area is now winding down and the majority of evacuation orders are being lifted. Kelowna residents are slowly heading back home and into neighborhoods with the fire's mark forever etched on the landscape and in the minds of the victims. Although much was lost, even more was saved. Firefighters from all over western Canada did amazing jobs against all odds, risking their lives to save peoples property. All city signs and business advertisements have been converted into great big "thank you's" to the fire fighters. Makeshift signs cover resident’s front yards and windows. To show symbolic support and thanks, yellow ribbons adorn trees, businesses, car antennas, light poles, and people, lots of people. Firefighters have become Kelowna's new heroes.

The city of Kelowna and the RCMP did an admirable job of saving lives as well. The timing of evacuations and orderly exits of people saved the public from panic and pandemonium. Kelowna's South end has only a few main roads leading out and in a rushed emergency situation people may have been trapped in gridlock trying to get to safety.

The fire is calm now and is burning on the ground, not above the tree tops like it has done the previous week. The smoke has lifted to reveal our blue summer sky. breathing is an easy task again and people are already talking about how great the rebuilt sections of Kelowna are going to be.

Taking photographs of the areas most devastated by fire is a very sensitive spot with residents. As of today I am allowed to go into Crawford Estates to take photo's of one of the hardest hit suburbs. However I will wait a few days in respect of the nearby residents just newly returning to their homes.

On Saturday Night at 7:40pm Pacific I will be interviewed live by Sterling Faux, to discuss the web site and my photography. You can tune it to CKNW AM980, or online at www.cknw.com (live streaming radio feed).