The evacuation order in Peachland, B.C. has been partially lifted as crews work to contain a wildfire raging through the province's Interior.
Officials announced Monday night around 1,100 people were allowed to return to their homes, although hundreds still remain under an evacuation order.
The wildfire has destroyed at least four homes since it sparked on Sunday and was 75 per cent contained by Monday night.
A local state of emergency has been declared in the Central Okanagan as hundreds of firefighters work to contain the blaze.
In addition to the homes, several out buildings on the outskirts of town were also destroyed. No injuries have been reported.
Another 432 people are on evacuation alert in the downtown area.
The 200-hectare fire is being fought by 17 fire trucks, six helicopters and four water bombers.
Peachland Fire Chief Grant Topham told CTV News Monday the region was getting hit with winds of up to 50 km/h, with no guarantee of relief from rain.
“The winds up there were very strong winds coming down slope,” he said.
Although the cause of the blaze is still being investigated, Topham said it began near the Trepanier Linear Park.
“They quickly forced that (fire) down into the residential areas of the Upper Trepanier area, Star Place area, and then as it progressed very, very quickly, the fire was spread down into the Peachland area.”
Peachland resident John Henneberry ignored the evacuation order and stayed to protect his home.
“It was very scary,” Henneberry said. “Hearing houses around me explode two blocks up, you're hearing the houses explode,” he said.
Amanda Elliott and her family had no where to go after fleeing their home and spent most of Monday night at a Tim Hortons.
“I was in tears,” Elliott said. “Felt so alone.”
The Westbank Lions Community Centre in West Kelowna is offering food, clothing and lodging to people forced out of their homes.
