Minor flooding reported in wildfire-impacted areas on Westside Road

Areas impacted by wildfire last summer experienced some minor flooding due to the rain that hit Kelowna on Friday.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan said the rain caused debris overflow on Westside Road.

No reports of serious damage were reported, however, residents living in or travelling through the area burned by the McDougall Creek wildfire are advised to use extra caution.

“Residents adjacent to wildfire-affected areas and waterways (should) be aware of changes that may affect slope instability and to monitor for potential overland flooding,” the RDCO says.

Minor flooding on the road and near creeks may happen in areas devastated by last year’s fire following heavy rainfall and this could last between three and 10 years, depending on the slopes and severity of wildfire impact, the district says.

People are advised to call the 24-hour provincial toll-free number at 1-800-663-3456 or contact your local fire, RCMP or public works department to report landslides or debris flows.