✍️ By Debbie Balfour | WBN News | July 31, 2025 | Click HERE for your FREE Subscription to WBN News and/or to be a Contributor.

A wildfire broke out just north of Peachland, British Columbia, on July 30, sending the region into a state of emergency. The fire, now covering 27 hectares, was ignited by a truck fire on Highway 97 that quickly spread into dry grass and forest along the Drought Hill corridor. This journalist left her home on Huston Road in a hurry as thick smoke and flames climbed above the treeline behind her property, prompting an urgent evacuation.

Emergency officials responded swiftly, issuing evacuation orders for 400 properties and placing an additional 225 under evacuation alert. Smoke filled the air as helicopters and air tankers began water drops, drawing from nearby Okanagan Lake. Boating on the lake has since been restricted to support continuous aerial firefighting operations.

Although the fire remains classified as out of control, recent efforts by ground and air crews have reduced fire behavior to low-to-moderate levels. Still, the threat to homes and infrastructure remains, with structure protection teams deployed to safeguard affected neighborhoods.

The wildfire has also forced the partial closure of major travel routes. Highway 97 was initially shut down in both directions and is now limited to alternating single-lane traffic. Highway 97C was also affected, causing transportation delays and logistical headaches for residents, tourists, and businesses.

Local commerce has been hit hard, as the busy summer season grinds to a halt amid fire concerns, travel disruptions, and evacuations. Emergency reception centers have been set up to assist displaced residents.

As firefighting efforts continue, Peachland remains in a holding pattern, anxiously waiting for the blaze to be contained and life to return to normal.

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TAGS: #Peachland Fire #BC Wildfire #Emergency Alert #Okanagan Valley #Fire Update #Wildfire BC #WBN TV #WBN News Okanagan #Debbie Balfour

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