Wildfire triggers highway 97C closures and tactical evacuations in B.C.'s Okanagan
ADVERTISEMENT According to DriveBC and emergency officials, both directions of Highway 97 are closed between Peachland and the junction with Highway 97C due to an active wildfire, which covered an estimated 12 hectares by late afternoon.
Highway 97C, known as the Okanagan Connector, is also closed between the junctions of Highway 97 and Highway 5A, affecting more than 80 kilometers of roadway and severely disrupting transportation in the region.
The wildfire, centered near Drought Hill, has led to 'tactical evacuations', with the Central Okanagan Regional District's emergency operations centre activating emergency reception centre at the Peachland Community Centre for evacuees.
Firefighting response and resident safety
Firefighting resources have been swiftly deployed, including helicopters, airtankers, and ground crews from the BC Wildfire Service, municipal fire departments, and contracted agencies.Helicopters are refueling at nearby Okanagan Lake, prompting RCMP to urge boaters to keep clear of firefighting aircraft operations. So far, the fire is not categorized as a 'wildfire of note' — a BC Wildfire Service designation for blazes that are especially dangerous or highly visible. There have been no immediate reports of significant property damage or injuries, but officials warn evacuation orders or alerts might be issued as conditions evolve.
ADVERTISEMENT Early investigations suggest the fire was likely sparked by human activity rather than lightning or other natural causes. Officials believe the fire was sparked by a truck carrying a piece of equipment.Environment Canada's ongoing heat warnings for the region have contributed to tinder-dry conditions, amplifying wildfire risk.
ADVERTISEMENT
Impact on residents and regional transportationThe mass highway closures have stranded motorists and forced lengthy detours via alternate routes, including Highway 33 and Highway 3. Emergency officials are urging the public to avoid the area and only travel if necessary. According to regional communications officer Kari O'Rourke, 'It was pretty much firefighters knocking on doors doing tactical evacuations' as they sought to move residents swiftly away from danger zones.
ADVERTISEMENT Provincial wildfire context
This incident is part of a severe wildfire season in British Columbia. On the same day, other large fires such as the Bear Creek wildfire near Harrison Lake and a fire south of Lytton are burning and threatening communities, with authorities issuing alerts and warnings throughout the province.Emergency support and up-to-the-minute information are being provided to affected residents through cordemergency.ca and regional emergency operations channels. The duration of the highway closures remains uncertain as crews continue to battle the flames and protect local communities.
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates.
NEXT STORY
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Peachland wildfire: 400 properties evacuated, major highways closed
(Photo credit: BC Wildfire Service) A fast-moving wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan region has forced the evacuation of around 400 properties and shut down major highways, including the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C) and a stretch of Highway 97 near Peachland, on Wednesday. As of 4.30 pm PT (5:00 am IST), the blaze had grown to 12 hectares. Officials suspect it was caused by human activity, which includes any fire not started by lightning, CBC news reported. Emergency crews began tactical evacuations earlier in the day, with firefighters knocking on doors to get residents out quickly. Evacuation centres have been set up at the Peachland Community Centre and West Kelowna's Royal LePage Place. Residents under evacuation alert are being told to be ready to leave at a moment's notice, while those under evacuation orders must leave immediately. More details awaited. (This is a top Google Trends topic.)
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Economic Times
Wildfire triggers highway 97C closures and tactical evacuations in B.C.'s Okanagan
Synopsis A major wildfire shuts down key highways in British Columbia's Okanagan region. Tactical evacuations are underway between West Kelowna and Peachland. Highway 97 and the Okanagan Connector are closed. Firefighters are battling the blaze with helicopters and ground crews. The fire near Drought Hill may be human-caused. Residents are urged to avoid the area. Other wildfires burn across British Columbia. A rapidly growing wildfire has forced the closure of major highways and prompted tactical evacuations in British Columbia's Okanagan region between West Kelowna and Peachland on Wednesday afternoon, July 30. ADVERTISEMENT According to DriveBC and emergency officials, both directions of Highway 97 are closed between Peachland and the junction with Highway 97C due to an active wildfire, which covered an estimated 12 hectares by late afternoon. Highway 97C, known as the Okanagan Connector, is also closed between the junctions of Highway 97 and Highway 5A, affecting more than 80 kilometers of roadway and severely disrupting transportation in the region. The wildfire, centered near Drought Hill, has led to 'tactical evacuations', with the Central Okanagan Regional District's emergency operations centre activating emergency reception centre at the Peachland Community Centre for evacuees. Firefighting response and resident safety Firefighting resources have been swiftly deployed, including helicopters, airtankers, and ground crews from the BC Wildfire Service, municipal fire departments, and contracted are refueling at nearby Okanagan Lake, prompting RCMP to urge boaters to keep clear of firefighting aircraft operations. So far, the fire is not categorized as a 'wildfire of note' — a BC Wildfire Service designation for blazes that are especially dangerous or highly visible. There have been no immediate reports of significant property damage or injuries, but officials warn evacuation orders or alerts might be issued as conditions evolve. ADVERTISEMENT Early investigations suggest the fire was likely sparked by human activity rather than lightning or other natural causes. Officials believe the fire was sparked by a truck carrying a piece of Canada's ongoing heat warnings for the region have contributed to tinder-dry conditions, amplifying wildfire risk. ADVERTISEMENT Impact on residents and regional transportationThe mass highway closures have stranded motorists and forced lengthy detours via alternate routes, including Highway 33 and Highway 3. Emergency officials are urging the public to avoid the area and only travel if necessary. According to regional communications officer Kari O'Rourke, 'It was pretty much firefighters knocking on doors doing tactical evacuations' as they sought to move residents swiftly away from danger zones. ADVERTISEMENT Provincial wildfire context This incident is part of a severe wildfire season in British Columbia. On the same day, other large fires such as the Bear Creek wildfire near Harrison Lake and a fire south of Lytton are burning and threatening communities, with authorities issuing alerts and warnings throughout the support and up-to-the-minute information are being provided to affected residents through and regional emergency operations channels. The duration of the highway closures remains uncertain as crews continue to battle the flames and protect local communities. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Economic Times
Wildfire prompts evacuations for 400 properties near Peachland, B.C.
A BC Wildfire Service helicopter draws water from Okanagan Lake to fight the Drought Hill fire near Peachland, B.C., on July 30, 2025. The wildfire has prompted tactical evacuations and major highway closures in the Central Okanagan region Wildfire forces evacuations and highway closures near Peachland, B.C. Tactical evacuations are underway for approximately 400 properties due to a rapidly advancing wildfire burning between Peachland and West Kelowna, British Columbia. According to Central Okanagan Emergency Operations, the Drought Hill fire is posing an immediate threat to public safety, prompting action to protect residents in the region. Properties affected include those located east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C, and north of Highway 97. Officials are advising residents to be prepared for an extended period away from their homes. Also read: Wildfire triggers highway 97C closures and tactical evacuations in B.C.'s Okanagan Tactical evacuations are initiated in response to imminent danger, the B.C. government noted. If the wildfire threat persists, a formal strategic evacuation may be issued by local governments and First Nations. The wildfire has also disrupted transportation infrastructure in the area. Highway 97 has been closed between Peachland and West Kelowna. In addition, Highway 97C is closed from West Kelowna to a point 22 kilometers southeast of Wildfire Service deploys aircraft and ground crews to drought hill fireThe BC Wildfire Service confirmed that the Drought Hill fire is burning approximately two kilometers north of Peachland. Response teams include 18 firefighters, three helicopters, and additional crews are utilizing nearby Okanagan Lake as a water source for aerial suppression. Authorities are requesting that recreational lake users stay clear of the area to ensure the safety and effectiveness of aircraft operations."Avoiding interference with aerial firefighting operations is critical," the BC Wildfire Service said in a Okanagan Emergency Operations indicated that formal evacuation alerts are expected to be issued shortly, as the wildfire situation continues to evolve. These alerts serve as official warnings that residents should be ready to leave if the situation Drought Hill fire is one of several active fires in British Columbia during the ongoing wildfire season, which has been intensified by dry conditions and elevated temperatures across the region. Also read: Montreal tops world pollution rankings as wildfire smoke chokes the city This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2025.
