Top Stories – Sept 8 – Still Bucketing

400 properties remain under evacuation order for the McDougall Creek wildfire while 12,300 are still on alert on the west side. BC Wildfire says planned burns that create a lot of evening smoke above the Powers Creek drainage have been successful in removing fuel and brought the fire down to constructed containment lines. Further aerial and hand ignition tactics to remove unburnt fuel is planned if conditions allow.

Big White Ski Resort raised $3,159 in donations for the passholder promotion during the Labour Day long weekend. The funds will go to Station 42 in Wilson’s Landing. Senior VP Michael J Ballingall says it was their way of expressing profound gratitude to the firefighters and support teams working to protect communities during this challenging wildfire season.

The latest federal government forecast says the wildfire season could continue late into the fall or winter. Although fall brings cooler nights and fewer lightning storms, Ottawa says ongoing warm and dry weather could contribute to new fire starts, and mean some existing large fires could remain active for months.

Monday is the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks and the public is invited to attend the Kelowna Firefighters’ Charitable Society’s annual 9/11 Ceremony and Stair Climb. It starts at 11am at Sutherland Park on Ellis with a full honour guard and pipe and drum ceremony. That’s followed by a climb up Knox Mountain Drive, alongside Okanagan First Responders wearing forestry firefighting gear.

A father’s personal tragedy has resulted in a new medical fund focused on brain health in the Okanagan. Tom Budd has committed one million dollars to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation in honour of his sons, Payton and Dillon, who took their own lives after grappling with mental health issues. The fund will be used by the hospital to advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of brain disorders.

Police say the explosion that destroyed a building in Prince George last month was likely caused by people who broke into the property and were unaware of a natural-gas buildup inside. RCMP say fire investigators have determined there is evidence of copper pipe theft, causing damage to at least one natural gas line. Three people were sent to hospital.

Don’t forget the Regional District is hosting the annual free tire collection event tomorrow. Area residents can drop off any old or unused tires, on or off rims that may be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, or if you just want to get rid of them. It happens in parking lot 17 at Okanagan College on KLO from 9-2.

A Kelowna man initially charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a woman last month, has had that charge upgraded to second degree murder. Brandon Davina is in custody at the Okanagan Correctional Centre in Oliver. Brianna Hawes died in hospital after she was discovered in a home on Hardie Road in Rutland. Davina’s next court appearance is slated for October 30.

The U-S Coast Guard arrested a guy from Florida who was trying to cross the Atlantic in a man-made hamster wheel. It took the Coast Guard five days to bring him ashore from about 110-kilometres off the coast of Georgia. It was the 4th time the adventurer was trying to ride his “hydro-pod” to England.

SPORTS

The preseason begins tonight for the Kelowna Rockets. They have the first of a home and home series against the Blazers in Kamloops. Tomorrow night’s game at Prospera Place begins at 7.

Game number one of the NFL season last night saw the Detroit Lions upset the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs 21-20. The Seattle Seahawks host the LA Rams Sunday at 1:30.

As the Toronto Blue Jays continue to fight for a wild card spot in the American League, they are back home to host Kansas City for the weekend. Today’s game begins just after 4.