Collision involving motorhome caused last night’s fire in Peachland

Last night’s roadside wildfire in Peachland was sparked by a highway motorhome crash.

Police say it was quickly doused, but not before it quickly spread to the surrounding hillside and prompted an evacuation order for dozens of nearby homes.

“Thanks to the quick response of the fire departments and the BC Wildfire Service, a potentially much larger incident was prevented,” West Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Devon Gerrits said in a news release.

West Kelowna RCMP was called to the collision around 10:30 p.m., Aug. 26, where a northbound motorhome on Highway 97 hit a tree.

Only the driver was inside the vehicle, who escaped with minor injuries before the vehicle was fully engulfed, according to the news release.

Police said the motorhome crossed the centre line before striking a tree beside the highway, and investigators are still probing what led to the crash.

“We are grateful that the driver was able to escape unharmed and that no further injuries were reported,” Gerrits said.

Evacuation orders for 58 homes were downgraded around 3 a.m., but many remained on alert into the morning. Wildfire crews stayed on the scene to douse hotspots and expect smoke to be visible throughout the day, according to Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.