Destructive West Kelowna, B.C., wildfire that forced thousands from homes is now being held, service says

The large wildfire that destroyed dozens ofhomes in West Kelowna, B.C., and was a key front in the province'smost devastating fire season on record,is now being heldafter raging out of control since mid-August, firefighters say.

The 139-square-kilometre McDougall Creek fire destroyed ordamaged nearly 190 properties and forced the evacuation of thousandsof people.

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said while holding the fireis an important milestone, there's still much work ahead andmany hazards remain in some areas.

The classification"being held" means officials believe the blaze is notlikely to spread past predetermined boundaries under currentconditions. But it remains a wildfire of note, meaning it continues to be highly visible and/or presents a threat to public safety.

"The response to a fire of this scale requires strong teamworkand collaboration across jurisdictions,'' an online statement by theB.C. Wildfire Service said.

"Thanks to partner agencies, First Nations and localgovernments, national and international resources, as well as themany contractors who were or are supporting suppression."

Officials say an area restriction order, limiting who can travelto the vicinity of the fire, will remain in place until at leastOct. 3.

Those allowed through include firefighters, people with homes inthe area that are not under an evacuation order, and people doingagricultural activities.

Almost all remaining evacuation orders issued for the RegionalDistrict of Central Okanagan and the City of West Kelowna have beenrescinded, with the exception of a handful of properties in WestKelowna.

Most evacuation alerts are also over.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says residents can expect to see smoke inthe area until there is significant rain or snow.

About half of the 400 structures or homes destroyed in B.C.'srecord-breaking fire season so far were in the Kelowna area.

The season spiralled into a crisis when the McDougall Creek fireswept down on West Kelowna on the evening of Aug. 17, engulfingresidential streets and homes that were evacuated with little time to spare.

A provincewide state of emergency was declared the next day, asthe same weather front that fuelled the McDougall Creek blaze fannedfires in the Shuswap region.

There, the Bush Creek East wildfire destroyed almost 200structures. That fire remains out of control.

The McDougall Creek fire was discovered on Aug. 15, and its causeremains under investigation.

Still 390 active fires

Firefighting crews around the province are still busy with 390 fires actively burning, according to the BCWS, which is only a slight reduction from prior weeks.

There are still currently 11 fires of note, including McDougall Creek. The BCWS says 146 fires are burning out of control.

The service warned thatwarm and dry conditionsexpected over the next few days in the province's northeast will increase fire activity in the region.