A rapidly spreading wildfire near Peachland, British Columbia, has prompted an evacuation order for 325 properties. The Central Okanagan Regional District announced the order on Thursday at 6 p.m. PT. The fire, located near Munro Lake, is approximately six kilometers southwest of Peachland, a town with a population of about 5,000, situated nearly 250 kilometers northeast of Vancouver.

The B.C. Wildfire Service reported that the fire began earlier Thursday afternoon and has since expanded to 0.7 square kilometers, or 74.3 hectares. Shae Stearns, a fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service, noted that gusty winds in the area are contributing to the fire's increased activity. "We do have some gustier winds in that area right now, which are contributing to that heightened fire activity," Stearns said.

Currently classified as a Rank 3 fire, which indicates a moderately vigorous surface fire, the blaze is threatening both the Munro Lake Forest Service Road and the Peachland Main Road. More than 40 personnel are actively working to contain the fire, supported by air tankers and four helicopters. The Peachland Fire Department is also assisting in firefighting efforts.

Kirsten Jones, an information officer with the regional district's emergency operations center, urged residents to subscribe to the district's email notification list for updates and support. Evacuated residents needing assistance can go to the muster center at the Peachland Community Centre. Jones also encouraged residents to share verified information and check on their neighbors.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be human-related, as it is categorized as a wildfire not sparked by lightning. The fire's rapid growth has raised concerns, with the flames moving down the slope toward Peachland. The Peachland Riding Club began relocating its horses as a precaution earlier in the day, and the Peachland works yard is also under threat from the fire.