Trepanier Bench on fire – Massive Peachland wilfire

Minutes after starting, a fire in the Paradise Valley exploded in size due to high winds. (Dave Preston photo)

by Dave Preston

RCMP is warning residents of the Paradise Valley and the western area of Trepanier Road to prepare to evacuate after a large wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon.

The fire began near the Hwy. 97C on ramp at Trepanier Road. High winds have fanned the flames and the fire is growing at a high rate of speed.

Concerned residents have been flooding a lone RCMP officer at the corner of Trepanier and MacKinnon roads. Though there is no official evacuation alert or order yet, the officer is telling people to prepare to leave now.

Helicopters are already bucketing the fire and Peachland Fire and Rescue and forestry firefighters are on their way to the scene.