Peachland Fire

The state of emergency which was in effect after the Trepanier fire is now over.

Photo: Contributed

With the Trepanier fire now 100% contained, the state of emergency is officially over.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre says all alerts pertaining to the wildfire have been cancelled.  In addition, all Local States of Emergency have been rescinded and the Emergency Operations Centre is now closed.

The BC Wildfire Management Branch says the fire, which began Sunday, September 9, near Trepanier Road and the Highway 97C underpass, is now completely contained.

Residents may continue to see smoke rising from within the fire area as crews continue the mop up effort to fully extinguish any remaining hot spots over the next week.

Even though the alerts have been removed, fire authorities urge residents to exercise caution as the fire hazard throughout the Central Okanagan remains high.

"The District of Peachland and the Regional District thank all emergency responders for their tireless efforts. We also thank affected residents for their patience and support throughout the evacuation and alerts and especially the volunteers of the Central Okanagan Emergency Support Services organization who stepped up to assist evacuees at the reception centre in West Kelowna," says Emergency Operation Centre Director Elsie Lemke.

"We also extend sincere gratitude to the 26 volunteers and others involved with the Penticton and Summerland ESS groups who stepped up to help us in our time of need, staffing and maintaining the reception centre last Sunday night in Summerland."

Central Okanagan residents are reminded to prepare their families in advance for any possible evacuation as a result of emergencies such as the Trepanier fire.

The District of Peachland has opened a Recovery Office to support residents affected by the Trepanier Forest Fire.

The office is located in the Peachland Municipal office, 5806 Beach Avenue and is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Residents with questions or needing assistance should email firerecovery@peachland.ca or call 250-767-6055, Extension 120.

Residents looking for information regarding aerial fire retardant on their properties can contact ICL at 1-250-554-3530, or via their website.

The Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park remains closed until further notice.

When conditions are safe, a hazard assessment will be conducted to determine what work will be required to make the park safe again for the public.