Prime Highlights
- A rapidly spreading wildfire was caused by the ignition near Drought Hill on Highway 97, which led to the evacuation of about 400 properties.
- Precritical roadway closures, such as Highway 97 and Highway 97C segments, hindered the flow of local traffic.
Key Facts
- The small fire began expanding at a rapid rate to occupy an estimated 27 hectares.
- Evacuation alerts were not only for 400 main properties but also set off warnings for about 225 more addresses.
Key Background
Afternoon of July 30, 2025, there had been a fire near Drought Hill in the Okanagan area north of Peachland. At first small, the fire was rapidly growing from half a hectare to an estimated 27 hectares within a couple of hours. The local emergency services were quick to respond and battled to corral the outward-moving fire and protect nearby communities.
Emergency staff ordered a voluntary evacuation of approximately 400 homes east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C, and north of Highway 97. A subsequent notice of evacuation was issued to almost 225 additional addresses that incorporated parts of Peachland and West Kelowna along streets like Cousins Road, Trepanier Heights, and Witt Place. These directives will take effect for at least 48 hours in order to enable the authorities to assess the developing conditions and make arrangements for public safety.
Dissemination of the wildfire resulted in extensive traffic congestion with the closing of primary parts of Highway 97 between Glenrosa Road and Buchanan Road, as well as the eastbound closure of Highway 97C traffic from MacKinnon Road to the junction. While subsequent modifications enabled simultaneous single-lane traffic on Highway 97, the initial closure was a sign of the magnitude of the disaster and the disruption to local connectivity. The highways were not only used as evacuation routes but as essential firebreaks that aided firefighters to keep the fires from moving in any direction.
Firefighters are fighting the wildfires with the assistance of 12 fixed-wing and three helicopters. Local teams support firefighters in attacking the blazes aggressively. The BC Wildfire Service reports that fire intensity decreased to low-to-moderate surface activity throughout the response. Ground crews continued as daylight shortened and air assistance ended at sunset. The western flanks had protective barriers set up and nearby residences were made safe.