Wildfire near Peachland, B.C., being held after evacuation, Highway 97 closure
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.
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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 again
DriveBC says Highway 97 has reopened to single-lane alternating traffic, but drivers should expect delays as crews continue to work on site.
Ellekim Opmaco, who was travelling from Kelowna to Penticton, said he turned back when the highway was first closed Tuesday night.
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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 hundreds
According to B.C. Hydro, nearly 700 customers west of Highway 97 remain without power after lines in the fire zone were impacted.
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.
This article, with files from Shaurya Kshatri, was originally published for CBC News