Drought Hill wildfire at 40 hectares, guards are holding

NEWS/ WILDFIRES — The Drought Hill wildfire near the Okanagan Connector has grown to 40 hectares but firefighters are keeping it contained. Eighty-five firefighters from the Wildfire Management Branch and Peachland and West Kelowna Fire Departments are fighting the fire, which broke out Thursday.

Four water bombers and two helicopters are working to cool hot spots to aid ground crews in establishing guard around the fire’s flanks.

The wildfire branch said today winds were calm overnight, which helped firefighters slow the fire. “Ground crews will keep a close eye on the weather today as there is the potential for extreme fire behaviour, gusty winds and high temperatures.”

A local state of emergency remains in place and there is a lane closure in effect westbound on Highway 97C four kilometres west of the junction with Highway 97.