Prime Highlights

• Highways 97 and 97C reopened following temporary closures caused by the Drought Hill wildfire near Peachland.
• Firefighters struggled against the fire responsible for evacuation orders and warnings for more than 600 properties.

Key Fact

• The wildfire was caused by a vehicle fire and rapidly engulfed surrounding hillsides.
• Evacuation orders continue for a minimum of 48 hours despite containment.

Key Background

On July 30, 2025, a auto fire on Highway 97 south of Drought Hill in Peachland, British Columbia, started dry lawn on fire, which snappily developed into a campfire. Within hours, the fire expanded from a half- hectare to 12 hectares and by evening to around 27 hectares. The quick spread was made possible by strong winds, steep pitches, and blankness, against which assault was mounted by indigenous and parochial firefighting forces.

The wildfire, or Drought Hill wildfire, started with moderate to active fire behavior that was graded Rank 3 and 4. It was battled by ground crews, air tankers, skimmer planes, and water-scooping helicopters from Okanagan Lake. About 18 BC Wildfire Service members, Peachland, West Kelowna, and Kelowna firefighters worked together to battle the fire’s perimeter.

By late evening, the heat of the fire had reduced to Rank 1 to 2, showing a reduction in extreme flame activity. While this is improved, the wildfire was still rated as “out of control.” The authorities also employed Highways 97 and 97C as containment lines to help suppress the fire. The two highways were closed temporarily for a few hours but were reopened at 8:35 p.m., with traffic driven underneath controlled conditions.

Some 400 houses were issued with mandatory evacuation orders in the areas that are to the east of Trepanier Bench Road, and alert was stretched to about 225 additional houses in the neighborhood. Residents were told that the restrictions are expected to last at least 48 hours as firemen reassess the fire situation. Emergency reception centers have been opened, and impacted people are invited to register for assistance services. The situation is dynamic, with crews continuing to monitor and hold hot spots.

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