A wildfire near the junction of Highway 97 and 97C in B.C.'s Okanagan region was visible on July 30, 2025, as it continued to burn in the Drought Hill area. CTV News
A wildfire near Peachland, in British Columbia’s Okanagan region, forced hundreds to flee their homes and shut down a major highway on Wednesday. Fire crews responded quickly as flames spread near Highway 97 and Highway 97C.
By 3 p.m., officials closed Highway 97C in both directions from its junction with Highway 97 to Highway 5A, covering nearly 82.5 km. By 9:10 p.m., the road reopened. However, part of Highway 97 near Peachland remains open to one-lane traffic only.
Evacuation Orders Issued for 400 Properties
The fire started burning close to two kilometres north of Peachland. Around 4:45 p.m., emergency officials ordered people from 400 properties to evacuate. These include areas east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C, and north of Highway 97.
Evacuation centres are now open at Peachland Community Centre and West Kelowna’s Royal LePage Place. Officials say evacuation orders will remain in place for at least 48 hours. They will reassess the situation Thursday morning.
Extra Alert for More Residents
Another 225 homes just southwest of the danger zone are on evacuation alert. This means those residents must stay ready to leave immediately if the fire worsens.
Mayor Among Evacuated Residents
Peachland Mayor Patrick Van Minsel also had to leave his home. He said smoke came within 600 metres of his hillside neighbourhood. Speaking from the evacuation centre, he urged calm.
“There’s no reason to panic,” said Van Minsel. “The fire department is doing its job, and we trust them.”
Firefighters Respond Quickly
By Wednesday evening, wildfire teams saw a moderate spread. Thanks to air tankers and skimmer planes, the fire slowed. This helped ground crews work alongside Peachland Fire and Rescue. Firefighters stayed on scene overnight to keep watch and protect buildings.
Hot Weather Adds to Risk
This fire broke out during a very hot week in southern B.C. The weather agency had issued heat warnings for the Okanagan Valley. Officials haven’t called this a “wildfire of note” yet, but they believe it started due to human activity—not lightning.
Boaters Asked to Stay Clear
Helicopters used Okanagan Lake to scoop water for firefighting. Police warned boaters to avoid the area so aircraft could do their job safely.
Other Fires Burn Across B.C.
Two more major wildfires are active in southern British Columbia—one near Harrison Lake and another south of Lytton. Both areas also face evacuation alerts. People planning camping trips near Harrison Lake have been asked to reconsider.
