Map shows perimeter of the Drought Hill wildfire near Peachland/BCWS

By Vernon Matters Staff

wildfire

Peachland wildfire grows, evacuation alerts added to orders, highway partially reopens

Jul 30, 2025 | 9:02 PM

An evacuation alert for approximately 225 addresses has been issued due to the Drought Hill Wildfire currently burning between Peachland and West Kelowna.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said the addresses are in addition to the estimated 400 homes that were part of tactical evacuations earlier in the afternoon.

The wildfire grew exponentially over the six hours since it first ignited around 2 p.m. Wednesday. The BC Wildfire Service estimated it at 27 hectares in size by 8 p.m. It had been put at only five hectares mid-afternoon.

Meanwhile Drive BC reported Highway 97 in the immediate area had reopened to single lane alternating traffic. However, delays were to be expected. Crews were on scene and pilots trucks will be there assisting vehicles through.

Highway 97C, the Connector, which was closed between West Kelowna and 22 km east of Merritt, was reopened according to Drive BC.

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The following addresses have been included in an evacuation alert:

• Coldham Road
• 5006, 5010, 5030, 5050, 5104, 5120 Cousins Road
• Desert Pines Avenue
• Dryden Road
• Inglis Place
• Lever Court
• 5126, 5145, 5146, 5156, 5166, 5175, 5186 Mackinnon Road,
• Point Place
• Smith Way
• 5180, 5240, 5250, 5260, 5270, 5280, 5290, 5355 Trepanier Bench Road
• Trepanier Heights Avenue
• Trepanier Heights Place
• Witt Place

Approximately 400 addresses located east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C and north of Highway 97 remain on evacuation order due to the fire.

The evacuation order will remain in place for approximately 48 hours with emergency personnel reassessing the situation in the morning.

Emergency responders will remain on scene overnight monitoring conditions.

Residents on alert are asked to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice and be prepared to be away from their homes for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.

Please refer to the Map | Central Okanagan Emergency Operations on CORDemergency.ca/map to search by street address to determine if you are under an evacuation order or alert.

For the latest road closure information please visit www.drivebc.ca.

Evacuees should attempt to find other temporary accommodation and, if you are insured, please contact your insurance company.

If you need basic emergency support, you can report to either the Peachland Community Centre, 4450 6th Street, Peachland, or Royal LePage Place, 2760 Cameron Avenue, West Kelowna.

Evacuees with a BC Services Card App can also receive ESS supports by registering online at Emergency Support Services Self Registration.