Approximately 400 properties in British Columbia's Okanagan region remain under evacuation orders following a wildfire that ignited near Peachland on Wednesday. However, Mayor Patrick Van Minsel reported that conditions are improving. "The situation has calmed down," he stated during an interview 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."

The Drought Hill wildfire is located on the north side of Peachland, between Peachland and Kelowna. The fire has burned an area of about 27 hectares, according to the latest updates from the B.C. Wildfire Service. Mayor Van Minsel indicated that, to his knowledge, no structures have been damaged by the fire. He himself was evacuated the previous day, noting, "I think the fire was around 400 metres from our homes."

The main evacuation center for those displaced is located at Royal LePage Place on Cameron Avenue in West Kelowna. The B.C. Wildfire Service reported on social media that the fire's intensity has decreased significantly. "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," the service stated late Wednesday. Personnel will remain on site overnight to monitor the situation and continue suppression efforts.

An update from the wildfire service is expected Thursday morning as they reassess the situation. Meanwhile, Highway 97 and Highway 97C have reopened after being closed due to the fire, although delays are anticipated on Highway 97 between Buchanan Road and Drought Road.

Brittany Seibert, the regional emergency manager with the Central Okanagan Regional District, expressed cautious optimism about the situation. She acknowledged the challenges of finding accommodation for evacuees during the peak tourist season. "This is the middle of our high tourist season, so hotel rooms were limited," she said. Seibert also mentioned that the province's emergency support services can provide "shelter allowances" to assist those who can accommodate evacuees. She encouraged residents to register with emergency support services for assistance and to stay updated through the district's emergency communications.