Wildfire posted Aug 18, 2023 @ 10:25am by Josh Duncan

PHOTOS: Horrific destruction in Traders Cove as seen from Okanagan Lake

It was a night straight out of hell in the Central Okanagan.

Not only was it the worst night of many people’s lives and a terrifying ordeal for thousands of residents that had to flee, but it looked like hell too.

As the sun set, the McDougall Creek wildfire crested the hill above Westside Road and quickly made its way down towards the lake.

<who>Photo Credit: Nick Csek/KelownaNow

It started to move north as quickly as it moved east and evacuation orders were quickly issued for places like Raymer Bay, Bear Creek Provincial Park and Traders Cove.

Overnight, it was confirmed that structures were lost in Traders Cove, but there was no need for official word to know that.

Visuals from the area paint a horrific scene and stories just add to the tale, with several people reportedly having to take refuge in the lake to flee flames, with boats being called on to assist them.

KelownaNow photographer Nick Csek ended up on the lake around midnight and was able to capture some of the devastation from afar.

These photos may be upsetting to some readers and if your home is in this area and you don’t want to see them, please don’t scroll down any further.

<who>Photo Credit: Nick Csek/KelownaNow