| Comments | Peachland BC, September 9-12, 2012. A forest fire was reported on September 9 in Trepanier Bench in Peachland, British Colombia. Strong winds at speeds estimated between 30 to 40 km/h spread the fire quickly. An evacuation order for approximately 1,550 residents went into effect on September 9. The District of Peachland immediately opened Reception Centres to support evacuated residents. The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre was in full operation and supported firefighting efforts from BC Wildfire Management, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Kelowna. The Regional District Parks Services closed the Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park until a hazard assessment was conducted and the area deemed safe for the public. Evacuated residents began returning on September 10 with the last 258 evacuees returning on September 12. Three homes and several buildings were destroyed during the fire. |