Some wildfire evacuees from Peachland, B.C., can return home – but should ‘keep their bags packed’

An out-of-control wildfire in the Okanagan has forced hundreds of people to evacuate and has partially shut down a major roadway.

Hundreds of wildfire evacuees from Peachland, B.C., have been allowed to return home, but they remain on evacuation alert.

Officials said approximately 250 of the residents forced to flee after the Drought Hill blaze erupted Wednesday are no longer under evacuation orders, as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

In an online update, Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said those individuals should “keep their bags packed and be prepared to leave on short notice.”

Other evacuees must stay away from their properties due to ongoing risk from the fire.

Evacuation orders remain in place for properties in the area of Clarence Road, Lang Court, MacNeil Court, Morrison Crescent, Morrison Court, Morrison Place and Walker Road, plus all units at 5165 Trepanier Bench Rd.

The wildfire ignited along Highway 97 between Peachland and West Kelowna, then rapidly spread up the dry hillside.

Officials believe it was sparked by a vehicle fire.

The flames have now spread across an estimated 57 hectares. The blaze remains classified as “out of control,” though firefighters who worked throughout the night are cautiously optimistic about their suppression efforts.

“Aircraft retardant and water delivery yesterday was effective in reducing fire behaviour,” emergency officials wrote in an update Thursday morning.

“However, as temperatures increase throughout the day, fire behaviour may increase.”

Related: Full coverage of B.C.’s 2025 wildfire season

The wildfire is now considered Rank 2, meaning a “surface fire with some open flame and a slow to moderate rate of spread.”

To make way for firefighting crews, Highway 97 has been reduced to single-lane, alternating traffic on the Okanagan Connector at the Highway 97C junction.

Regional officials urged drivers to proceed with caution in the area and expect delays. The latest on road closures can be found on the DriveBC website.

The evacuation orders issued Wednesday initially applied to approximately 400 properties, while another 225 were put on evacuation alert.

Patrick Van Minsel, the mayor of Peachland and one of those whose home remains on evacuation order, said he was notified of the fire shortly before 3 p.m.

“I was at a dinner meeting and got a warning around 2:45. I left my home within five minutes,” he said.

Van Minsel said first responders were already on scene when he arrived, working quickly to keep residents safe.

“There was already a huge response. Around 4 p.m., the evacuation order was issued for 400 homes, and people left very quietly, very organized. There was no panic,” he added.

Reception centres were quickly opened to assist evacuees—one at West Kelowna’s arena and another at Peachland’s community centre.

Evacuees who registered at the muster stations were provided with food, water and updates.

“We fed them, gave them drinks, kept them calm and communicated with them,” said Van Minsel. “The moment we knew something, they knew.”

Added the mayor: “Within two to three hours, everybody has found accommodation from ESS and also local Peach owners took people in.”

Officials said emergency supports were still available at Royal LePage Place on Thursday, and that the community centre would remain open as an informal drop-in location until 4 p.m.

The wildfire initially spread with alarming speed, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds blowing up the hillside.

“The wind was coming from the north, blowing the fire uphill, and it’s very dry here,” Van Minsel said.

Fire crews, including support from neighbouring municipalities, responded with helicopters and air tankers, and worked through the night patrolling and suppressing hot spots.

Fire retardant was also dropped along the forest’s edge to protect homes.

So far, no homes have been reported lost, and there have been no injuries.

“When embers were falling into people’s yards, firefighters were already on every street. They went immediately and put them out,” Van Minsel said. “The residents stayed calm and evacuated without panic, and that really helps.”

While parts of Peachland remain smoky, Van Minsel emphasized the town is still open for business.

“Our downtown is open. Restaurants will be open. But we do ask people to be careful,” he said.

Boaters have been told to stay out of the way of firefighting aircraft, which will be using Okanagan Lake as a water source.

With the August long weekend approaching, Van Minsel acknowledged concerns about tourism but encouraged people to monitor the situation and avoid unnecessary travel through impacted areas.

There is also a thunderstorm watch in the area and concern for wind and the ongoing dry conditions.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Michele Brunoro