Hundreds evacuate from Peachland as fire rages

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from Peachland on Sept. 9, 2012 (CTV)

Peachland, B.C. - An evacuation order has been expanded again for residents in Peachland, B.C. as a wildfire threatens homes on the community’s western boundary near Trepanier Bench, forcing more than 1,500 people to leave the area.

Local States of Emergency have been declared for the affected areas within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and in the District of Peachland, in B.C.'s southern Interior.

Downtown Peachland is now under an evacuation alert after the latest evacuation order included another 600 homes.

The fire has reached a subdivision and at least one house has caught fire.

Crews aided by water bombers and helicopters are attempting to quell the flames.

Sunday evening Const. Steve Holmes of the Kelowna RCMP said the blaze had already reached private property.

“We’re throwing resources into getting people out of the area,” said Holmes.

Holmes said the fire was first discovered by officers conducting a speed trap Sunday afternoon around three.

Billows of black smoke were seen coming from the area as the sun went down Sunday night.

Officials said strong winds have hampered efforts to contain the flames and could push it down toward the highway.

Meanwhile, emergency evacuation centres have been opened in neaby Westbank - at the Westbank Lions Hall - and in Summerland, about 10 kms south of Peachland.

A woman who didn't give her name at the Westbank Lions Hall said about 300 people had arrived.

She said sleeping arrangements were being set up at the Westbank Emmanuel Church for others.

Devin Smith of the Gasthaus on the Lake in Peachland restaurant said it looks like at least one third of the community is threatened by the blaze.

Smith said he has seen fire trucks from all over the Okanagan coming and going from the Peachland fire hall and has been helping feed the legion of firefighters.

He said people in the area don't seem overly frightened.

"The whole town is covered in smoke," said Smith. "People just aren't sure what to do."

Smith said he's heard the fire started near a golf course development, but had not heard anything about what may have sparked it.

In 2010 and 2011 major wildfires also threatened the community.