British ColumbiaA late-night wildfire south of Peachland, B.C., that forced a tactical evacuation and shut down Highway 97 is now being held, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. Highway reopens, but dozens of homes remain under evacuation alert, close to 700 left without powerCBC News · Posted: Aug 27, 2025 11:19 AM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoEmergency crews were on scene at Highway 97 near Peachland, B.C., on Tuesday night (Aug. 27, 2025) as flames burned up a hillside. Witnesses say a vehicle fire spread from the roadside into nearby brush. (Ellekim Opmaco)A late-night wildfire south of Peachland, B.C., that forced a tactical evacuation and shut down Highway 97 is now being held, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. The fire was reported Tuesday night. Witnesses say a vehicle rolled over and caught fire along the roadside, with flames spreading into nearby brush and forcing the closure of Highway 97 between Hardy Street and Renfrew Road.Central Okanagan Emergency Services say about 58 homes were evacuated just after midnight. By 3 a.m. PT, residents were allowed to return home, though those properties remain on an evacuation alert, meaning people should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.Highway traffic moving againDriveBC says Highway 97 has reopened to single-lane alternating traffic, but drivers should expect delays as crews continue to work on site.⚠️ICYMI #BCHwy97 – The highway is open to single lane alternating traffic following a vehicle fire. Watch for flaggers between Princeton Avenue and Brent Road. Expect delays in the area. #PeachlandBC #SummerlandBC #WestKelownaBC #BCHwy97C ℹ️For more info:https://t.co/PuZTmApZOR pic.twitter.com/iHh8NK8ml0—@DriveBC Ellekim Opmaco, who was travelling from Kelowna to Penticton, said he turned back when the highway was first closed Tuesday night.Opmaco said he didn’t see the reported rollover himself but heard about it from bystanders. DriveBC says the highway was initially closed due to a vehicle fire.CBC News has reached out to West Kelowna RCMP and B.C. Emergency Health Services for more details.Power out for hundredsAccording to B.C. Hydro, nearly 700 customers west of Highway 97 remain without power after lines in the fire zone were impacted.The approximately 58 addresses previously tactically evacuated in the Peachland area due to the Peachland Creek wildfire may now return to their homes. However, these properties will be placed on an evacuation alert. – All addresses on Stuart Crescent – All addresses on… pic.twitter.com/CJ0PTaKuzO—@CO_Emerg Video shared online shows flames climbing into the wires and power lines bursting into sparks as the fire spread. Crews are working to restore service.Central Okanagan Emergency Services says firefighters remain in the area, working to extinguish hot spots, and smoke is expected to be visible through the day.With files from Shaurya Kshatri
Wildfire near Peachland being held after tactical evacuation, Highway 97 closure
