What is the name and location of the wildfire?

The Glen Lake Wildfire is located about 15 kilometers west of Peachland, in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada (1). As of September 18, 2023, there are over 400 wildfires burning across British Columbia, with 154 considered out of control (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

Evacuations and unhealthy air quality are affecting much of the Canadian province of British Columbia, including:

• Peachland, immediately west of the wildfire
• Central Okanagan Regional District
• Areas south of Peachland Forest Service Road (from the 5-kilometer marker to the boundary between the Regional District of Central Okanagan and the Regional District of South Okanagan)
• Air quality in nearby Kelowna

Additionally, the Horn Lake area of Cariboo Regional District in Central British Columbia was evacuated due to the Hell Raving Creek fire. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen also issued an evacuation alert for properties near the Upper Park Rill wildfire.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District has declared a local state of emergency. The Clowhom Lake wildfire has caused multiple evacuations, with a further 10 issued on Sunday.

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

Wildfires have burned across much of British Columbia throughout the summer of 2023. Containment efforts remain ongoing.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

The following evacuation orders and alerts are in place due to the Glen Lake Wildfire:

• Evacuation orders have been issued for eight recreational properties in the Central Okanagan Regional District.
• An evacuation alert is in place for all areas south of Peachland Forest Service Road, from the 5-kilometer marker to the boundary between the Regional District of Central Okanagan and the Regional District of South Okanagan.

Please note that there are multiple evacuation orders and alerts related to other wildfires in different regions of British Columbia.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.