An out-of-control wildfire burning west of Peachland, B.C., has triggered an evacuation order for hundreds of properties. The Regional District of Central Okanagan issued the order around 6 p.m. Thursday for 325 addresses near the Munro Lake wildfire, urging affected residents to leave immediately. Another 1,111 properties are on evacuation alert, meaning people should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. An online map is available to help people determine if they’re under the evacuation order. “Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation,” the RDCO said in a news release. “Do not use more vehicles than necessary.” Officials said evacuees should also take critical items such as medicine and wallets – but only if they are “immediately available” – and bring pets in kennels or on leashes. Residents are also asked to close their doors and windows, and to shut off gas and electrical appliances apart from refrigerators and freezers. Gates should be latched but not locked, officials said. Evacuees can register for supports by creating a profile on B.C.’s Emergency Support Services website. Those with immediate needs can report to an in-person muster centre at the Peachland Community Centre. A public information line is also available at 250-469-8490, or toll-free at 1-877-569-8490. The Munro Lake fire was discovered earlier on Thursday, and has already spread to approximately 75 hectares, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. “Airtankers are currently actioning the northeast flank of the fire to slow fire spread. Crews are on site, establishing access and assessing objectives, and will be working into the evening,” reads the BCWS website. It’s unclear what sparked the fire, but officials suspect it was human-caused. The blaze is displaying Rank 3 fire behaviour, meaning a “moderately vigorous surface fire with a moderate rate of spread,” according to the BCWS.
