A small wildfire burning between Summerland and Peachland is now being held, according to an update from local fire crews. The Darke Creek wildfire, discovered on August 3, remains under one hectare in size and is not spreading.
The blaze is believed to have been sparked by lightning during recent thunderstorms in the region. As of now, fire officials have deployed one initial attack crew and one helicopter to monitor and manage the fire.
While the fire remains active, it is no longer growing. Crews are making steady progress to keep it from spreading. The BC Wildfire Service classifies the fire as “being held,” which means that based on current conditions and resources, it is not expected to expand beyond its current boundaries.
There are no evacuation orders or alerts in place for the surrounding area. Residents nearby have not been asked to leave their homes, and no structures are at risk.
This fire comes as part of a series of small wildfires in British Columbia caused by dry weather and lightning activity in early August. Firefighters remain alert as summer conditions continue to pose wildfire risks.
Meanwhile, another wildfire in the region — the Drought Hill wildfire in Peachland — is now under control. That fire started on July 30 and burned through an estimated 57 hectares before crews fully contained it.
Although the Drought Hill blaze is now considered under control, a few properties in the area remain on evacuation alert. These alerts serve as a precaution and are not mandatory evacuation orders. Local officials continue to monitor the situation closely in case of any changes.
British Columbia has seen an active wildfire season, with multiple small and mid-sized fires reported across the province. Most of these fires have been caused by lightning or human activity, worsened by dry weather and high winds.
Wildfire response teams are on standby across the Okanagan and nearby areas. Their goal is to respond quickly to new fires and keep them from growing into larger threats. This strategy has helped manage several recent wildfires, including the current ones near Summerland and Peachland.
Fire experts are reminding the public to stay aware of any fire bans or restrictions and to report signs of smoke or flames immediately. While the situation near Summerland is under control for now, the risk of new wildfires remains high due to ongoing hot and dry weather.
As conditions can change quickly, people living in wildfire-prone areas are encouraged to stay prepared. Emergency kits, evacuation plans, and up-to-date alerts can make a big difference during wildfire events.
For now, though, both the Darke Creek wildfire and the Drought Hill fire appear to be contained, bringing a measure of relief to nearby communities.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if necessary. Residents can check official wildfire tracking maps and local emergency websites for the latest information.
