After a night of aggressive firefighting, there are some positive updates coming from Peachland Thursday.
Mayor Patrik van Minsel says overnight efforts by BC Wildfire Service and Peachland Fire and Rescue have them closing in on getting the Drought Hill fire under control.
“They’re fighting the fire from three sides,” he told 1130 NewsRadio. “They’re trying to get it under control. There was no flare-up at night, and the winds died down, so it helped. It was cooler during the night, and they’re now assessing the situation.”
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the Drought Hill fire is now assessed at being 57 hectares, from 27 hectares late Wednesday night.
Van Minsel says the quick response by the district and the BC Wildfire Service has so far staved off any extensive damage. He adds that crews from Kelowna and West Kelowna fire departments also responded quickly.
“I’m so proud of our firefighters, and everybody who was helping out there, because they’re doing a great job,” he said.
About 400 residences remain under an evacuation order Thursday, as tactical evacuations began shortly after the wildfire was sparked, allegedly after a pickup truck caught on fire, Wednesday afternoon. Properties east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C, and north of Highway 97 are covered under the order.
Related:
Peachland residents are used to having to pack up and leave at short notice, the mayor says. “We live in the Okanagan. We know this can happen.”
“Everybody was very disciplined, and everybody was following the instructions. Pretty much everyone was calm. The people that were in our emergency centre yesterday, here at our community centre, they seemed very calm, just waiting for some updates,” van Minsel said.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan and its Emergency Operations says that as of Thursday afternoon, 35 wildfire fighters are responding to the blaze, along with 14 firefighters from Peachland, Kelowna and North Westside fire departments.
Crews are continuing to action the Drought Hill wildfire, which remains between Highway 97 and Highway 97C and is pegged at 27 hectares. Visit https://t.co/3eYv1UhPNj for updates on road conditions and closures.Crews responded overnight, patrolling and suppressing hotspots.… pic.twitter.com/E1Rhzni1iA
“Aircraft retardant and water delivery yesterday was effective in reducing fire behaviour. However, as temperatures increase throughout the day, fire behaviour may increase,” RDCO said in a statement. “The fire is currently displaying rank two fire behaviour, meaning a surface fire with some open flame and a slow to moderate rate of spread.”
The regional district is urging people to stay away from the area to ensure there’s no interference with wildfire personnel and their response. “Aircraft will use Okanagan Lake as a water source and watercrafts should stay out of the way.”
“Today’s priorities underway include wildfire suppression, field assessments, ongoing resource allocation and evaluation of the evacuation orders and alert,” the RDCO said.
The regional district says updated information on evacuations will be provided later Thursday.
You can watch CityNews 24/7 live or listen live to 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver to keep up to date with this story. You can also subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
With files from Ben Bouguerra.
