McDougall Creek wildfire rebuild

Provincial post-wildfire natural hazards risk analysis looks at the impacts of the wildfire in areas such as water repellant (hydrophobic) soils which could result in slide/land slippage in any heavy rainfall or spring freshet event.

• Post-Wildfire Natural Hazards Risk Analysis of the 2023 McDougall Creek Wildfire published January 4, 2024.
• Interim results of the Post-Wildfire Natural Hazard Risk Analysis Report for Priority Sites.
• Province of B.C.'s Post Wildfire Natural Risk Assessment Hub to view reports across the province.

Trees with visible damage

• Impacted trees with visible damage from wildfire should be inspected by a qualified arborists or danger tree assessor familiar with fire effects to access the health and safety of trees on private property as soon as possible.

Marked trees

• You may return to find trees on property that have been inspected and marked with spray paint or tape. This was done by emergency responders for their safety to work in the area, or work in the area if needed, for fire suppression and other emergency activities.
• Any marked trees that were deemed to be hazardous over the short term (for people to return) were removed. Burned trees can deteriorate over the mid to long term or become unstable in burned ground where their roots have been impacted and sustained winds have occurred post-inspection.
• For the long-term safety of yourself and your property, we suggest these be inspected by a qualified arborist to assess the health and safety of trees as soon as possible.

Felled trees

• You may return to find trees on property that have been felled and may be cut into logs. This was done by emergency responders for their safety to work in the area for fire suppression and other emergency activities. It is strongly recommended wood on the ground be removed as soon as possible as it contributes to ground fuel and fire risk.

Insurance and trees

• Check with your insurance company about coverage for damaged trees. Hazard trees need to be assessed if work such as repair or reconstruction of any structures is planned. Note that WorkSafeBC requires danger trees and hazards be addressed before workers can safely work in an area.

Find more information on trees in the debris management plan.

Debris Waste Management Plan describes the types of wastes considered in the plan, such as green waste, tree waste, construction/renovation/demolition debris, bulky solid waste, concrete, metals, white goods, hazardous waste goods, and e-waste.

The purpose of the Plan is provide direction to manage the extra load on the solid waste facilities and protect the environment. The health and safety of residents and workers is paramount. Information outlined describes where wildfire debris wastes can be recycled or disposed of, and what requirements and conditions apply for each waste stream. The plan also explains the landfill requirements for fire damaged debris containing controlled materials, and the need to follow WorksafeBC and environmental regulations. Read the Debris Waste Management Plan.

Habitat for Humanity Okanagan is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, a national, non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity’s model empowers families to invest in home ownership. Through donated labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses.

Office phone number:778 755-4346

Address: 1793 Ross Rd, West Kelowna, BC

You can visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) for more information on Wildfire insurance or call 1-844-227-5422.

The General Insurance OmbudService (GIO) is an organization that works with customers who have concerns/complaints regarding their insurer to help get those resolved. It’s a national organization that provides free and impartial support – independent from the insurance industry. Visit their General Insurance OmbudService website to learn more.

Local governments have obligations under the Emergency Program Act of British Columbia to develop a recovery plan for impacted residents. Major recovery-phase accomplishments include successful community outreach and ongoing collaboration between local governments and non-profit organizations.

Read the Central Okanagan McDougall Creek Recovery Plan.