Photography by Jason Pettyjohn - Okanagan Mountain Fire

Updated August 17th

Okanagan Mountain Fire

Here are a few photo's of the fire heading towards Kelowna city limits on August 16th. From my vantage point on the West side of Okanagan lake I was between 5-6 km away from the fire. The wind was gusting so strong at times one could not stand up properly. Mix that with two months of hot and dry weather, the fire spread rapidly along the mountain engulfing trees as if they were doused in gasoline...

- Saturday August 16th, local media reports the fire was caused by a lightning strike at around 2 am. Three firefighters were sent to the 5 hectare blaze. In less than 24 hours the fire grew to over 400 hectares. The fire has not yet been contained. South Kelowna has been put on evacuation alert.
- Sunday August 17th, local media reports the fire has grown to over 1000 hectares, but cooperative winds have stopped the spread of the fire. Around 50 firefighters are on the scene with air support from water bombers and helicopters. Okanagan Valley is completely submerged in smoke and I was unable to get any daylight or evening pictures for this day.

Scroll page to view photo's taken around 11 pm August 16th
©All photography copyright Jason Pettyjohn 2003

Photographed at Quails Gate Winery on Boucherie Road

Photographed at the Coquihalla Connector overpass

Photographed at the waterfront in Peachland

Photographed lakeside, South of Peachland

Photographed lakeside, South of Peachland (Kelowna city lights on left horizon)

Panorama photographed lakeside, South of Peachland (Kelowna city lights on left horizon)
click here for larger image

Back to main page