UPDATE — July 31, 2025: Wildfire in B.C.’s Okanagan ‘significantly decreased,’ says wildfire service.
Following the evacuation of 400 properties due to a nearby wildfire, a key highway in the Okanagan region of British Columbia has been reopened. The Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C) was shut down in both directions between the junctions of Highway 97 and Highway 5A, spanning 82.5 kilometers. However, as of around 9:10 p.m. PT on Wednesday, DriveBC confirmed the reopening of the highway in both directions.
Although a segment of Highway 97 from Peachland to the Highway 97C junction has reopened for single-lane alternating traffic, the wildfire, covering approximately 27 hectares, continues to burn in the area.
Approximately 400 properties in the vicinity were under mandatory evacuation orders, with evacuation centers established at the Peachland Community Centre and West Kelowna’s Royal LePage Place. Specific areas east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C, and north of Highway 97 remain under evacuation orders.
Authorities stated that evacuation orders would be enforced for approximately 48 hours and would be reassessed on Thursday morning. An evacuation alert has been issued for around 225 properties southwest of the evacuation zone, indicating residents should be prepared to evacuate promptly if necessary.
Mayor Patrick Van Minsel of Peachland, who was among the evacuees, expressed confidence in the firefighting efforts and urged residents to remain calm and trust the fire department’s capabilities. Evacuees were welcomed at the community center, ensuring they had a safe place to stay.
Fire information officer Taylor Colman mentioned that the firefighting crews observed a moderate rate of fire spread on Wednesday evening. The deployment of air tankers and skimmers significantly aided in controlling the fire’s behavior and slowing its advance, facilitating ground operations.
The wildfire ignited amid scorching temperatures in the southern B.C. Interior, with a heat warning in effect for the Okanagan Valley. While not classified as a “wildfire of note” yet, officials suspect the fire, started by human activity, to be a significant concern.
Authorities urged residents to stay informed about evacuation updates via the cordemergency.ca website. Meanwhile, firefighting helicopters utilized Okanagan Lake for refueling operations, with boaters cautioned to avoid obstructing firefighting activities in the area.
