Highway 97 is closed Wednesday after wildfire started burning out of control between West Kelowna and Peachland to the south.
The Drought Hill fire, discovered July 30, has reached five hectares in size.
DriveBC says the highway is closed in both directions and the junction with the Okanagan Connector, Highway 97C, is also closed.
An image from the scene shows huge plumes of smoke issuing from a spot directly beside the highway.
⛔????#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.… pic.twitter.com/JTV8fOIXEU
The BC Wildfire Service has not yet posted any restrictions or evacuation alerts.
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says it is aware of the fire and crews are responding.
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 https://t.co/XBeUYmQOMh to stay informed. pic.twitter.com/RjvKsl1Qhx
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.
