Wildfire in B.C.'s Okanagan 'significantly decreased,' says wildfire service
"The situation has calmed down," Mayor Patrick Van Minsel told CBC's Daybreak South Thursday morning.
"There's much smoke visible and there's still a few visible hot spots here and there, but fire crews are working on them."
Van Minsel said the Drought Hill wildfire is on the north side of his hillside community, burning between Peachland and Kelowna.
The fire is covering an area of about 27 hectares, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service's latest measure.
Van Minsel said his understanding is that no structures have been damaged.
The mayor himself was evacuated yesterday.
"I think the fire was around 400 metres from our homes," he said, speaking from his office.
He noted the main muster centre for evacuees is Royal LePage Place on Cameron Avenue in West Kelowna.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said on Facebook that the fire has shrunk.
"Thanks to the quick and hard work of personnel on the ground and in the air, fire behaviour on the Drought Hill wildfire (K51121) has significantly decreased," said the service late Wednesday night. "Personnel will remain on site overnight to monitor and continue suppression."
Van Minsel said the service is expected to give an update Thursday morning and re-evaluate the situation.
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