PEACHLAND, B.C.: A rapidly spreading wildfire near Peachland in British Columbia’s Okanagan region has triggered the evacuation of approximately 400 properties and led to the closure of key transportation routes, including Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector) and a stretch of Highway 97, on Wednesday.
As of 4:30 p.m. PT (5:00 a.m. IST Thursday), the wildfire had expanded to 12 hectares, and authorities believe it was human-caused — meaning not started by natural events like lightning, according to CBC News.
Tactical Evacuations Underway
Firefighters began door-to-door evacuations earlier in the day, urging residents to leave as flames approached. Two evacuation centres have been opened:
- Peachland Community Centre
- Royal LePage Place in West Kelowna
While some areas are under mandatory evacuation orders, others are on evacuation alert, meaning residents must be prepared to flee at a moment’s notice. Emergency responders have emphasized the speed of the fire’s spread, prompting swift action.
Highways Closed
- Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C) is shut down in both directions.
- Parts of Highway 97, a critical route through the region, are also closed due to fire danger.
Cause and Response
The suspected human cause of the fire is under investigation, and authorities have not ruled out negligence. The fire’s proximity to residential areas and major roads has escalated concern, and aerial and ground crews are working to contain it.
The situation remains fluid, and emergency officials are urging residents to stay alert, follow evacuation instructions, and monitor local updates for any changes in fire conditions or road access.
