BREAKING: Wildfire near Peachland now 100 hectares

PEACHLAND – A wildfire burning near Peachland late this afternoon has ballooned to 100 hectares this evening.

The Finlay Creek fire, which is still roughly 7.5 kms southwest of Peachland,  grew quickly this afternoon in steep terrain and in heavy winds, according to B.C. Wildfire Services Information Officer Rachel Witt.

It's unclear how much of that was growth because new information came with better maps. The fire has settled down significantly to with cooler temperatures and lighter winds this evening.

Currently, there are 18 firefighters on site several fixed wing and helicopters for air support. They are taking water from Okanagan Lake and boaters are asked to please stay well clear of the area.

She says there are structures in the area but it's unclear if they are under threat at this time. 

The following is a release from the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre

Evacuation alerts have been issued for two areas for a total of over 100 properties along the boundary between the District of Peachland and Regional District of Central Okanagan.

Properties affected by the evacuation alert are on the south of Princeton Avenue and south to the District of Peachland boundary, including:

5247 Inga Street
6400-6493 Keyes Avenue
5357-5495 Pierce Street
5420-5443 Pierce Place
5440-5463 McDougland Road
5155-5379 Princeton Avenue (south side of the road only)
An evacuation alert has also been issued for properties west of Antlers Beach including:

6705-6711 Highway 97
6691-6789 Thorne Road
303-307 Log Chute Drive
A detailed map is available showing affected properties at www.cordemergency.ca.

All properties on evacuation alert should be prepared to leave on short notice should conditions change. Residents in the affected area should be prepared to be away from their homes for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents. Visit the be prepared page for more information.

The fire is currently estimated at 100 hectares. BC Wildfire Service crews will continue to action the fire overnight. No structures in the area are immediately threatened. New information will be released as soon as it becomes available.

Emergency response personnel request that the public:

Avoid the area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
Monitor cordemergency.ca for confirmed information about the situation
Please only CALL 9-1-1 in case of emergency
Monitor cordemergency.ca, facebook.com/CORDEmergency or twitter.com/CO_Emerg for confirmed information about the situation

— This story will be updated often. Last update time: 10:03 p.m.

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