Peachland Fire Today: Munro Lake Wildfire Forces Evacuations, Hundreds of Homes Under Threat in British Columbia

The community of Peachland, British Columbia, is facing a major emergency after the Munro Lake wildfire erupted west of the town, growing rapidly and forcing hundreds of families to evacuate. The blaze, which authorities believe to be human-caused, remains out of control as fire crews battle dangerous conditions fueled by wind and dry terrain.

Peachland wildfire triggers emergency evacuation orders

The Peachland wildfire has already forced 325 properties under evacuation order, while another 1,111 homes remain on evacuation alert. Families in the evacuation zone were directed to the Peachland Community Centre, which has been set up as a muster station for residents seeking safety and assistance.

The evacuation breakdown includes:

Officials warned that those on evacuation alert must be ready to leave with little notice, urging residents to prepare essential items such as identification, medications, and supplies.

Munro Lake fire grows rapidly in difficult terrain

The Munro Lake fire was reported Thursday afternoon and quickly spread through steep, forested terrain. Current estimates place the size at 74 hectares, though firefighting agencies caution that the true size may be larger due to challenging mapping conditions.

Key factors fueling fire growth include:

• Gusting winds that shift directions unpredictably

• Extremely dry vegetation and low humidity

• Torch-like behavior along the northeast flank

Overnight, firefighters focused on protecting homes and reinforcing fire lines, with cooler air and higher humidity providing temporary relief.

BC Wildfire Service response and firefighting strategies

The BC Wildfire Service Peachland team has deployed ground crews and air support to tackle the fire. Local fire departments have joined in with structural protection units positioned around neighborhoods at risk. The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to coordinate between provincial and municipal agencies.

Authorities stressed the importance of keeping roads clear, as congestion could block critical firefighting equipment and evacuation routes. Residents are urged not to return to restricted areas until orders are officially lifted.

Peachland evacuation alert expands as conditions remain volatile

Although winds overnight pushed the fire away from downtown Peachland, the Peachland evacuation alert continues to cover a wide area. This includes residential neighborhoods, rural properties, and key access roads.

Emergency officials have underlined that the situation could change rapidly during the daytime as winds pick up and temperatures rise. The evacuation alert ensures families remain prepared for immediate departure.

Local leadership addresses Peachland fire updates

Mayor Patrick Van Minsel assured residents that firefighting teams are making progress in protecting the community, though he admitted the fire remains uncontrolled. He noted that overnight weather conditions helped reduce some of the fire’s intensity but warned that shifting winds remain a serious risk.

Daily Peachland fire updates are being shared by local emergency services, with instructions to monitor official channels instead of relying on social media rumors.

What residents can expect in the coming days

Authorities highlighted several priorities as the situation evolves:

• Monitoring fire spread toward populated areas

• Expanding or reducing evacuation zones depending on fire behavior

• Conducting detailed mapping to refine size and growth estimates

• Investigating the suspected human cause of the fire

The Munro Lake wildfire remains a high-risk event for the Okanagan region, and officials are urging patience and vigilance from the community as firefighting crews continue their work.