A new report on the destructive and costly 2023 Central Okanagan wildfires is detailing how flames spread in communities and why some homes were more likely to catch fire while others were spared. The report, titled A wildland-urban post-fire case study: The Grouse Complex, focuses on measures residents can take to reduce the likelihood of their homes catching fire — measures promoted by FireSmart. …The Grouse Complex wildfires began in August 2023 after a period of drought… they burned 15,076 hectares, led to more than 30,000 people having to flee their homes and damaged or destroyed 303 structures. …The report found the homes that were damaged mainly featured coniferous trees like cedars and junipers within 10 metres of the structure, were located on steep slopes, had combustible siding and decks and plenty of easily ignitable material quite close to the home, like firewood, lumber and vehicles. The homes that weren’t damaged lacked those characteristics.