Peachland wildfire prompts evacuation orders for 400 properties

The out of control wildfire on Drought Hill between Peachland and West Kelowna has prompted an evacuation order from the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre this afternoon.

Tactical evacuations are underway at approximately 400 properties, July 30, as a result of the 12 hectare wildfire that broke out earlier today. The EOC said evacuation alerts will be issued shortly.

Properties east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C and north of Highway 97 are on evacuation order and are asked to prepare to be away from their properties for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.

A map of the properties evacuated can be seen here and the EOC will provide updates once the evacuation alerts are determined.

Evacuees can temporarily report to Peachland Community Centre, 4450 6 Street in Peachland. A muster centre has been opened at Royal LePage Place, 2760 Cameron Avenue in West Kelowna, for evacuees unable to access the Peachland Community Centre.

BC Wildfire Service and West Kelowna Fire Department are tackling the blaze sparked between Drought Hill Road and Highway 97C. BC Wildfire currently suspects the fire was human caused.

Highway 97 and Highway 97C are closed in both directions in the area. RCMP hasn’t said how long the roads will be closed for.

Police have asked the public to stay out of the area and boaters should be aware that they need to give space to helicopters and air tankers are going to be filling up with water from Okanagan Lake, according to a press release from RCMP.

For the latest on the wildfire go to the Emergency Operation Centre website here.