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South Okanagan Photos

Four homes lost in Peachland fire – not contained Monday

Peachland Update – four homes destroyed in community of 5200 people. Traffic restored on Highways 97 and 97C to two lane traffic.

The fire is now over 200 hectares

  • It is 50 per cent contained
  • 65 fire fighters from municipal forces are working on the fire
  • 70 Forestry fire fighters are also working to contain the fire
  • 17 fire trucks are supporting the fire fighters
  • 1550 people have been evacuated
  • 432 people are on alert
  • Air tankers grounded around 7 p.m. last night as it was too dangerous to fly due to the smoke
  • At lease 6 helicopters are working the fire line
  • It was a wind driven event and a rank 4 and 5 fire

Many areas of Peachland evacuated. Affected residents sent to locations in West Kelowna and Summerland for the night.  The number of people affected 1700 to 2000.

Helicopters and bombers worked until dark to but out the blaze and will continue the work at first light.

About 100 ground based firefighters worked around the clock to prevent more loss.

 

The blaze broke out around 3:00pm Sunday, in the Trepanier Creek area moving west to east towards the lake. Fire has been estimated at more than 200-hectares, fuelled by strong winds. A local state of emergency has been declared.

The planes had to go back before nightfall as well as the helicopter, so this now becomes a ground battle. Crews will continue to work throughout the night. It’s estimated to be in the hundreds of personnel.

Classes have been cancelled at Peachland Elementary School. Flames were close to the school and the lake front location Sunday. School District 23 Superintendent Hugh Gloster says alternate plans may have to be made, should the evacuation order remain in place.

Peachland Mayor Keith Fielding was among those sent packing. “I think the mood is very apprehensive because this is quite a serious incident. We have probably close to 15-to-17 hundred people who have had to evacuate… and we know that three or four homes in Peachland have been hit by the fire.” –

Fielding says thankfully – rain is in the forecast for the coming days. Once there is full light – an assessment of the damage can be made and what action can be taken to get people back in their homes.

Thanks to Castanet for their help on this file.