Police are helping firefighters from several local departments evacuate residents from about 400 properties in the Peachland, BC, area due to a fast-moving wildfire.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations issued a bulletin just after 5 p.m. Wednesday saying tactical evacuations were underway.

"An evaluation of the situation is underway and specific details will be released as they are confirmed," the agency said. "Public safety and the safety of emergency response personnel are the primary concerns at this time."

Residents of properties east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C and north of Highway 97 should be prepared to be away from their homes for an "extended period of time," it said.

Evacuees can temporarily report to the Peachland Community Centre, while a muster centre

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