Latest news with #DriveBC
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
400 properties ordered evacuated after wildfire partially closes Highway 97C in B.C.'s Okanagan region
A wildfire has partially closed a critical highway in B.C.'s Okanagan region, with the blaze also prompting the evacuation of 400 nearby properties. The eastbound closure of the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C) stretches from the junction of Highway 97 to the junction of Highway 5A, a distance of 82.5 kilometres. It was earlier closed in both directions, but reopened to westbound traffic just after 6:30 p.m. PT. DriveBC says a stretch of Highway 97 between Peachland and the Highway 97C junction has also been closed in both directions due to the fire, which was measured at 27 hectares in size as of 6:30 p.m. PT Wednesday. The fire is suspected to have been started by human activity, a broad category that includes any fire not caused by lightning. The Regional District of Central Okanagan's emergency operations centre said in a statement around 4:45 p.m. PT that residents of around 400 properties were ordered to leave, and evacuation alerts will be issued. Evacuation centres have been set up at the Peachland Community Centre and West Kelowna's Royal LePage Place, according to officials. Properties east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C, and north of Highway 97 are on evacuation order. An evacuation alert has been issued for around 225 properties just southwest of the area that is under an evacuation order. An evacuation alert means that residents should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice, while an evacuation order means that residents should leave immediately. More details on evacuations will be posted to the website, according to officials. Peachland Mayor Patrick Van Minsel is among those who had to leave their homes due to the blaze. He estimates smoke from the fire was 500 to 600 metres from his home, which is in a hillside community between many trees. "I think there's no reason to be, you know, in panic," he told Sarah Penton, host of CBC's Radio West, late Wednesday afternoon from the evacuation centre. "I think [the] fire department is on it, we have a lot of trust in them," he added. "And I'm very hopeful that they will get a handle on it." WATCH | CBC's Jacqueline Gelineau talks about the latest on Drought Hill wildfire: Van Minsel said that anyone who had to leave their homes should have a place to go as the community centre is very large and people who aren't under evacuation order are welcoming and would take evacuees in. Taylor Colman, a fire information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service, said crews were seeing a moderate rate of fire spread on Wednesday evening. "Thankfully, the air tankers and skimmers that are responding have really helped cool fire behaviour and slowed the spread," she said just after 6 p.m. PT. "And then our personnel on the ground are able to support Peachland fire department with the ground response." Fire sparked during hot week The blaze was sparked amid a sweltering week for the southern B.C. Interior, with Environment Canada maintaining a heat warning for the Okanagan Valley on Wednesday. Officials have not yet categorized the fire as a "wildfire of note," a designation that means it is particularly visible or poses a threat to public safety. moments leading up to evacuation: Two other major fires are burning in the southern half of the province — including the Bear Creek wildfire near Harrison Lake, and a fire south of Lytton that has prompted evacuation alerts. Kelowna RCMP said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon that firefighting helicopters would be using nearby Okanagan Lake to refuel, and that boaters should avoid the area. "Boaters are asked to be aware and not obstruct the aircraft from accessing the lake in their firefighting efforts," the statement reads. RCMP said that the closures on Highway 97 and Highway 97C would last for an indefinite amount of time.
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Climate
- 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
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Wildfire triggers highway 97C closures and tactical evacuations in B.C.'s Okanagan
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. 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. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others MCA Management Data Analytics PGDM Public Policy Cybersecurity Operations Management Leadership Data Science Technology Others Artificial Intelligence MBA Finance Product Management Design Thinking CXO Project Management Healthcare healthcare Degree Data Science Digital Marketing Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details 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. Live Events 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. 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. Impact on residents and regional transportation The 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. 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 and regional emergency operations channels. The duration of the highway closures remains uncertain as crews continue to battle the flames and protect local communities.
CTV News
15 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Wildfire shuts down 2 highways near West Kelowna, B.C.
A wildfire burning near West Kelowna, B.C., shut down a stretch of Highway 97 on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. ( / @DriveBC) Two major highways in the Okanagan are closed after a wildfire sparked in Peachland near the West Kelowna border Wednesday afternoon. The blaze is burning on Drought Hill near the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 97C, the latter better known as the Okanagan Connector. DriveBC said on social media that Highway 97 is closed in both directions between Peachland and the junction. 'Full closure anticipated for Highway 97C,' the agency added in its post. ⛔🔥#BCHwy97 - The highway is CLOSED in both directions between #Peachland and the #BCHwy97C junction due to a developing wildfire. #WestKelowna #Kelowna #OkanaganHwy The #BCHwy97C eastbound at the junction is also closed. Full closure anticipated for Highway 97C.… — DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 30, 2025 About half an hour later, the agency confirmed that the Okanagan Connector had been closed from its junction with Highway 5A southeast of Merritt through the junction with Highway 97. The B.C. Wildfire Service lists the blaze as out of control and human-caused. It was estimated at five hectares in size as of Wednesday afternoon. The RCMP's Kelowna Regional Detachment issued a statement saying it was assisting the BCWS and the West Kelowna Fire Department in responding to the wildfire. 'Police are asking the public to stay out of the area on the ground and on the lake,' Mounties said. 'Helicopters and airtankers will be 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.' The Central Okanagan Regional District said it had activated its Emergency Operations Centre in response to the fire. We are aware of a wildfire in Peachland near the Hwy 97 at Drought Hill. Fire crews and #BCWildfire are responding & the EOC is activated. More info to come. Visit to stay informed. — Central Ok Emergency (@CO_Emerg) July 30, 2025 This is a developing story. Check back for updates
CBC
16 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
Wildfire closes Highway 97 between West Kelowna and Peachland, B.C.
A wildfire has closed Highway 97 in B.C.'s Okanagan region between West Kelowna and Peachland on Wednesday afternoon. DriveBC says a stretch of Highway 97 between Peachland and the Highway 97C junction is closed in both directions due to the fire, which was measured at five hectares in size as of 3 p.m. PT. Officials expect Highway 97C will also be fully closed due to the blaze near Drought Hill. It is already closed eastbound at the junction. The fire is suspected to have been started by human activity, a broad designation that includes any fire not caused by lightning.
