Wildfire: State of emergency declared

News. . . A state of emergency has been declared by both the District of Peachland and the District of West Kelowna, according to a press release from the Regional District Emergency Operations Centre.

A forest fire is burning near Seclusion Bay and residents and visitors in the area have been evacuated.


Peachland Fire Rescue is attending with the support of West Kelowna Fire Rescue in the Drought Hill area, east of Hwy. 97. The grass fire is being fanned by high winds. BC Forest Service has also been mobilized.



Highway 97 is closed at the Okanagan Connector and Ponderosa Road in Peachland.


The EOC is requesting that all boaters stay away from the Seclusion Bay area as aerial fire fighting measures are taking place.

Peachland, Kelowna, Lake Country and RCMP rescue boats are being used to assist in the marine evacuation of Seclusion Bay Resort.

An Emergency Social Services Reception Centre has been set up at the Westbank Lions Hall at 2466 Main Street. Evacuees are asked to attend the Reception Centre to register.

It is not known at this time how many residents and visitors are affected by the evacuation.

Well-trained emergency response crews are currently responding to the situation and dealing with the priorities of the incident. An evaluation of the situation is underway and specific details will be released as they are confirmed for release. Our first concern is for public safety and the safety of our emergency response personnel. We are working with other response agencies to manage the situation and minimize the impact it has on our community as a whole.

New information will be released to the media as soon as it becomes available. Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.

The Public is asked to:

 · Avoid the Seclusion Bay area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties.

· Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information.

· DO NOT CALL 911 unless it’s a life threatening emergency.

· Remain calm.

· Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.