Peachland Wildfire Calms as Crews Gain Ground, But 400 Homes Still Under Evacuation Order

The wildfire that erupted Wednesday near Peachland, B.C., appears to be easing, but hundreds of residents remain displaced as firefighting crews continue their efforts on the ground and from the air.

Peachland Mayor Patrick Van Minsel says conditions have improved significantly. “The situation has calmed down,” he told CBC’s Daybreak South on Thursday morning. “There’s still some smoke and a few hot spots, but crews are actively working to control them.”

Roughly 400 properties remain under an evacuation order, while about 225 more are under evacuation alert, meaning residents must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, according to the Central Okanagan Regional District.

The Drought Hill wildfire, situated on the north side of Peachland between Peachland and Kelowna, is currently estimated to cover about 27 hectares. So far, no structures have been reported damaged.

Mayor Van Minsel, who was among those forced to evacuate, said the fire came within 400 metres of his home. “It was a tense situation,” he said. “But thanks to the quick work of first responders, we’re seeing progress.”

The main evacuation reception centre has been set up at Royal LePage Place on Cameron Avenue in West Kelowna.

Late Wednesday night, the B.C. Wildfire Service confirmed in a social media post that the wildfire’s behaviour had “significantly decreased” thanks to aggressive firefighting efforts. Crews remained on site overnight to continue suppression and monitor the fire’s perimeter.

Transportation routes are also reopening. Highway 97 and Highway 97C, which had been partially closed due to fire activity, are now open again, though delays are expected along Highway 97 between Buchanan Road and Drought Road.

Tourism Season Complicates Evacuations

Brittany Seibert, the regional emergency manager for the Central Okanagan, acknowledged that the timing of the wildfire has created challenges for emergency accommodations. “This is the peak of our tourist season, so hotel rooms have been limited,” she said.

To address this, the province is offering shelter allowances — financial support for evacuees who can stay with friends or family. Seibert urged residents who have been forced to leave their homes to register with emergency support services and to monitor the Central Okanagan Regional District’s emergency updates.

An updated assessment of the wildfire’s status is expected Thursday as officials continue to evaluate fire activity and weather conditions.