On Wednesday heavy smoke blanketed Kelowna. Visibility was reduced to a few hundred yards in most areas of the city. Breathing has become very difficult and to make matters worse ash has started to fall like snowflakes as of late afternoon. By nightfall the smoke and raining ash intensified. You could not see any of the fires burning in the valley because of the smoke, but it's presence has become even more intense. On Thursday morning residents of the valley woke up to a layer of fallen ash and a sun that has has been reduced to looking like the end of a burning cigarette. The fire has continued to grow to over 13,000 hectares and stronger winds are expected to blow from the South, possibly pushing the fire even closer to the city. A massive 16.9 km fire guard is being constructed behind Kettle Valley, Crawford Estates, and East Kelowna subdivisions. The evacuation alert stands at around 3000 people, and 140 have already been evacuated in the Kelowna and Naramata area. The fire remains very volatile and out of control, it's growth described as "phenomenal" and unlike anything seen before. Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park has been completely devastated by the 130 square km fire. More military backup is expected very soon to assist crews. Currently there are over 100 firefighters supported by dozens of aircraft and heavy machinery to tackle this seemingly futile battle to contain the blaze.

I was unable to capture any new fire footage in the current conditions, however if the smoke lifts with the forecasted winds I will update the photo's as soon as possible. Thanks again for all the comments and support. The site has reached curious minds around the world, with over 10,000 hits in the last two days.