The Central Okanagan Regional District says tactical evacuations are underway for about 400 properties due to a new wildfire burning between Peachland and West Kelowna.
Properties east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C and north of Highway 97 are on evacuation order.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!Residents are being asked to “prepare to be away from their properties for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents,” the district’s Emergency Operations said.
Stretches of Highway 97 and the Okanagan Connector Highway 97C were closed temporarily after the wildfire, discovered on Wednesday, started burning out of control. According to the BC Wildfire Service, the Drought Hill fire was approximately five hectares in size on Wednesday evening, expanding to 27 hectares by early Thursday morning.
Peachland Mayor Patrick van Minsel says those evacuated who are not staying with family or friends are urged to get to the community centre.
“The community centre, where we put up our emergency centre, people can register and get some food and drinks,” van Minsel explained in an interview with 1130 NewsRadio.
West Kelowna-Peachland MLA Macklin McCall tells 1130 NewsRadio that the cause of the fire could be a pickup truck.
“The engine comparts, it looks like, caught fire, and they pulled it to the shoulder of the road, and the fire just went off,” he said.
Images from the scene show huge plumes of smoke rising from a spot directly beside the highway.
“Traffic will be diverted away from Hwy 97C at Hwy 5A near AspenGrove just east of Merritt,” DriveBC said on a post to social media Wednesday. Later in the evening, the highways were reopened. However, DriveBC is warning drivers on Thursday of long delays due to congestion.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated, with evacuees being advised to head to the Peachland Community Centre.
“Evacuees can temporarily report to Peachland Community Centre, 4450 6th Street, Peachland. A muster centre has been opened at Royal LePage Place, 2760 Cameron Avenue, West Kelowna, for evacuees unable to access the Peachland Community Centre,” the regional district said.
“Municipal fire crews and BC Wildfire are working together on suppression of the fire. We will be giving further updates throughout the evening as to evacuation orders and activities,” it added.
The Kelowna RCMP says it is assisting firefighters. Police are asking the public to stay away from the nearby ground and Okanagan Lake.
“Helicopters and airtankers will be in refilling their aircraft with water from Okanagan Lake and must have a clear path. Boaters are asked to be aware and not obstruct the aircraft from accessing the lake in their firefighting efforts,” said Mounties in a statement.
1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the District of Peachland for more information.
There are currently 59 active wildfires in B.C., eight of which started in the last 24 hours.
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With files from The Canadian Press.