Smoke from the wildfire near Peachland shortly after it ignited around 2 p.m. Wednesday (photo courtesy of David Klaue)

By Liam Verster

Drought Hill Wildfire Update

UPDATED: Drought Hill fire in Peachland held, remaining Evacuation Orders rescinded

Aug 1, 2025 | 10:01 AM

UPDATE: 11:30 a.m.

The remaining properties under Evacuation Order due to the Drought Hill wildfire near Peachland have been rescinded as expected.

118 addresses, previously under an evacuation order, are now permitted to return home but will remain on evacuation alert.

The outline of an emergency vehicle and hose contrasted against the red retardant on a street in Peachland area/contributed

Residents in the alert area are reminded to be prepared to leave in a moment’s notice in the event of an evacuation order. The evacuation alert for the 490 addresses has now been lifted.

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Friday had started with cautious optimism for evacuees forced from their homes Wednesday, as fire conditions continued to improve with the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations saying those remaining evacuation orders would be rescinded.

Original story

Efforts to contain the wildfire have been successful and B.C. Wildfire Service said the 57 hectare fire is considered Being Held as of 9:22 a.m. Friday, August 1.

The classification indicates the fire is not expected to spread beyond the current boundaries.

“This morning’s conditions look favourable, and crews are hopeful evacuation orders can be rescinded at some point today,” the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre said in a statement Friday.

Emergency Support Services remain available at the Peachland Community Centre at 4450 6th Street, now the only active reception centre following the closure of Royal Lepage Place. The centre is open daily from 8 a.m. for evacuees seeking drop-in support.

Those unable to attend in person can register online at ess.gov.bc.ca using the BC Services Card App.

The BCWS told Vernon Matters it has deployed 35 wildland firefighters and a structure protection unit to assist with the fire containment efforts being lead by the Peachland Fire Department.

The provincial firefighting agency added no aerial resources have been deployed Friday morning, but they are on standby in case they are needed.

The Peachland Fire Department did not immediately respond to a request for an update from Vernon Matters.

Dozens of properties near the fire scene remained on Evacuation Order Friday morning, and hundreds more are on Evacuation Alerts.

An Emergency Operations Centre is running out of the Peachland Community Hall for evacuees to access supports and services.

People under the alerts are reminded to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice in case the situation changes and fresh orders are given.