Dozens of Kelowna households are better prepared in the event of an emergency after the first-of-its-kind wildfire evacuation drill over the weekend.

“This is the first time we’ve ever done it in Kelowna,” said Brittany Seibert, emergency program manager with the Kelowna Fire Department. “This is something we do see in Kelowna…we have times where we have to evacuate due to public safety.”

Wildfires were top of mind for those taking part in the exercise.

In 2023, thousands of residents were evacuated from their homes when the McDougall Creek Wildfire forced them out in both Kelowna and West Kelowna.

Saturday’s exercise involved two neighbourhoods, Wilden and Magic Estates.

Seventy-five households had registered for the event, and about half took part, according to Seibert.

“The two ar

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