PEACHLAND, B.C. - Four houses have been destroyed and more than 1,500 people remain out of their homes in B.C.'s Okanagan as firefighters battle a persistent and voracious forest fire.
Three of the four homes consumed by the fire were occupied. Several other outbuildings were damaged in the blaze that was first reported Sunday afternoon but within hours, threatened the town of Peachland, population 5,200.
Hundreds more people remain on evacuation alert in the community 380 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.
Elsie Lemke, director of emergency operations for the District of Peachland, said officials were in the process of notifying owners about the damage.
No one has been injured.
"Our hearts go out to the property owners who have suffered loss because of this fire," she said.
A cloud of white smoke hung over Peachland on Monday, drifting above the forested mountainsides to the west of town.
The sky was clear, but residents were hopeful for the forecast that predicted rain. On the downside, the wind was picking up with the same strong gusts that swept the blaze down the mountainside and towards the lakeside community.
IN PHOTOS: WILDFIRE (story continues below)
Six-year-old Peachland wildfire evacuee Azaneth Mejia waits outside an evacuation centre with family friend Carmon Gorzynski in West Kelowna, B.C., on Monday September 10, 2012. One millimetre of rain and calmer winds overnight brought a small amount of relief to fire crews and about 1,500 residents who were quickly evacuated from their homes Sunday in the face of a raging wildfire in Peachland.
Fire investigators examine an area where they believe a wildfire started in Peachland, B.C., on Tuesday September 11, 2012. Forestry officials say the fire is 75% contained but 258 people are still not allowed to return home. An evacuation order was lifted for part of the area late Monday allowing approximately 1,100 people to return home.
A home destroyed by wildfire is seen next to another home not damaged in Peachland, B.C., on Monday September 10, 2012.
Forest Protection Officer Jim Mottishaw talks about a property that was destroyed by a wildfire in Peachland, B.C., on Monday September 10, 2012.
A wildfire burns in Peachland, B.C. on September 11, 2012. Officials report the fire is 75 per cent contained and the evacuation order has been rescinded.
A wildfire burns in Peachland, B.C. on September 11, 2012. Officials report the fire is 75 per cent contained and the evacuation order has been rescinded.
A wildfire burns in Peachland, B.C. on September 11, 2012. Officials report the fire is 75 per cent contained and the evacuation order has been rescinded.
A helicopter drops water on a wildfire in Peachland, B.C., on Monday September 10, 2012. One millimetre of rain and calmer winds overnight brought a small amount of relief to fire crews and about 1,500 residents who were quickly evacuated from their homes Sunday in the face of a raging wildfire in Peachland.
A helicopter drops water on a wildfire in Peachland, B.C., on Monday September 10, 2012. One millimetre of rain and calmer winds overnight brought a small amount of relief to fire crews and about 1,500 residents who were quickly evacuated from their homes Sunday in the face of a raging wildfire in Peachland.
A helicopter draws water from Lake Okanagan while battling a wildfire in Peachland, B.C., on Monday September 10, 2012.
A wild fire burns out of control on highway 97C near Peachland, B.C. on Sunday September 9, 2012.Authorities have ordered the evacuation of about a thousand people from the path of a wildfire raging near Peachland, B.C.
People watch smoke from a fire near Peachland, B.C. as they sit on Gyro beach in Kelowna on Sunday September 9, 2012. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of about a thousand people from the path of a wildfire raging near Peachland, B.C.
A wild fire burns out of control along highway 97C near Peachland, B.C. on Sunday September 9, 2012. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of about a thousand people from the path of a wildfire raging near Peachland, B.C.
A wild fire burns out of control along highway 97C near Peachland, B.C. on Sunday September 9, 2012. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of about a thousand people from the path of a wildfire raging near Peachland, B.C.
A wild fire burns out of control along highway 97C near Peachland, B.C. on Sunday September 9, 2012. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of about a thousand people from the path of a wildfire raging near Peachland, B.C.
Areas affected by Peachland evacuation order
Mmap of areas affected by the <a href="http://www.kelowna.ca/CM/AssetFactory.aspx?did=11735">Peachland evacuation order/alert</a>.
A wild fire burns out of control on highway 97C near Peachland, B.C. on Sunday September 9, 2012.Authorities have ordered the evacuation of about a thousand people from the path of a wildfire raging near Peachland, B.C.
Work crews gather along highway 97C near where a wild fire burns out of control near Peachland, B.C. on Sunday September 9, 2012. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of about a thousand people from the path of a wildfire raging near Peachland, B.C.
A steady stream of helicopters flew over Okanagan Lake, filling up with water to drop on the blaze, which by Monday was about two square kilometres in size — unchanged from overnight — and only 50 per cent contained, said Lemke.
Ron Polak noted the increasing winds with worry, wondering if he and his wife would soon be among those forced out of their homes.
"From my house, through the trees, you can see a lot of smoke," said the 50-year-old carpenter.
"It was a pretty late night for us."
Polak said he first heard about the fire from a friend who was watching it from across the street.
"He actually phoned and said he was having some fun watching the fire, and then he got a little nervous and a bunch of us went there and got his stuff out of there and got him out," he said.
"Next thing I knew, we were trying to get back into town to get other people out."
Polak noted everyone in the Okanagan is respectful of the awesome power of forest fires. The arid region is home to award-winning wineries, but the same dry conditions that make vineyards a success can pose a forest fire hazard during dry summers.
Nine years ago, a late August forest fire around Kelowna, 25 kilometres up the road from Peachland, forced 27,000 people from their homes and eventually destroyed 239 homes.
"Everybody's pretty conscious (about the fire risk). It's the reality," Polak said.
"2003 was a pretty big fire, but that was on the other side of the lake. This is more in your backyard."
Peachland Fire Chief Grant Topham said crews worked furiously through Sunday afternoon and throughout the night and managed to save many, many other homes from the wind-driven blaze.
"It was very hard to slow it down with the wind events and the crews worked hard," Topham said.
Peachland Mayor Keith Fielding had been handing out awards at a summer fair Sunday when the forest fire began to rage. He raced home to help his wife and disabled daughter evacuate into their motor home. They were among the hundreds who spent the night in a hotel.
"I know I speak for all council when I say our thoughts are with those who suffered loss from the fire and those who are still awaiting news that they can return to their homes," Fielding said at a news conference Monday.
"The response to this quick moving fire has been exceptional."
Kelowna Fire In 2003
The Okanagan Mountain Park forest fire seen from Peachland, B.C., lights up the night sky Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
Residents watch the approaching flames in Kelowna, B.C. on Friday Aug. 22, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
The Okanagan Mountian Park forest fire rages above homes in the Mission area of Kelowna early Saturday, Aug, 23, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
A sky crane helicopter drops a load of fire retardant on a Kettle Valley Railway Bridge in Kelwona, B.C., Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
A bridge along the Kettle Valley Railway was one of many threatened by a wild forest fire burning in the the area of Kelowna, B.C., Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
The remains of homes consumed by a wild forest fire last night sit beside a boulder at the entrance of a sub-division in the Crawford Estates area in Kelowna, B.C., Saturday, Aug. 23, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
The doorway of home is all that is left as a wild forest fire swept through the neighbourhood in the Crawford Estates area in Kelowna, B.C., Saturday, Aug. 23, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
Smoke clouds the air on Highway 97 South to Kelowna and surrounding areas early Saturday Aug. 23, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
Highway 27 South heading to Kelowna, B.C. is deserted early Saturday Aug. 22, 2003, as a forest fire smolders in the background.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
Smoke pours out from the trees as the Okanagan Mountain Park forest fire burns above the city of Kelowna, B.C., Sunday, Aug. 24, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
A pair of burnt bicycles lay among the debris of a burnt house in the Okaview area of Kelowna, B.C., Monday, Aug. 25, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
Kelowna firefighter Shawn O'Reilly describes to the media the challenges he and other firefighters faced while battling a forest fire during a tour of the Okaview area inKelowna, B.C., on Monday, Aug. 25, 2003.
Kelowna Fire In 2003
A plastic outdoor patio set and canvas tent is all that is left of a home consumed by a wild forest fire in the subur of Okaview in Kelowna, B.C., Monday, Aug. 25, 2003.
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Maggie Baker looks over item retrieved f
Maggie Baker looks over item retrieved from her brother-in-law's home which was burnt to the ground in the High Park Fire, June 30, 2012 in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins. The inferno burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes. The High Park Fire, which started June 9 from a lightning spark, is the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
Maggie Baker (R) and her sister-in-law N
Maggie Baker (R) and her sister-in-law Nellie Bowman walk through the remains of her brother-in-law's home which was burnt to the ground in the High Park Fire, June 30, 2012 in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins. The inferno burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes. The High Park Fire, which started June 9 from a lightning spark, is the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
Maggie Baker (R) and her sister-in-law N
Maggie Baker (R) and her sister-in-law Nellie Bowman walk through the remains of her brother-in-law's home which was burnt to the ground in the High Park Fire, June 30, 2012 in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins. The inferno burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes. The High Park Fire, which started June 9 from a lightning spark, is the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
Maggie Baker looks at items retrieved fr
Maggie Baker looks at items retrieved from the remains of her brother-in-law's home which was burnt to the ground in the High Park Fire, June 30, 2012 in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins. The inferno burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes. The High Park Fire, which started June 9 from a lightning spark, is the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
Maggie Baker visits the remains of her b
Maggie Baker visits the remains of her brother-in-law's home which was burnt to the ground in the High Park Fire, June 30, 2012 in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins. The inferno burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes. The High Park Fire, which started June 9 from a lightning spark, is the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
Frank Baker visits the remains of his br
Frank Baker visits the remains of his brother's home which was burnt to the ground in the High Park Fire, June 30, 2012 in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins. The inferno burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes. The High Park Fire, which started June 9 from a lightning spark, is the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
A charred animal trailer sits amidst the
A charred animal trailer sits amidst the destruction caused by the High Park Fire, in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins June 30, 2012. The High Park Fire burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes making it the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. The High Park Fire is 97 percent contained while the Waldo Canyon Fire, which has burned more than 17,000 acres, left at least two people dead and destroyed 346 homes is 45 percent contained. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
A fireplace is all that remains of a hom
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A scorched pathway leading to a home des
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An item recovered from a home destroyed
An item recovered from a home destroyed in the High Park Fire, June 30, 2012 in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins. The inferno burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes making it the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. The High Park Fire is 97 percent contained while the Waldo Canyon Fire, which has burned more than 17,000 acres, left at least two people dead and destroyed 346 homes is 45 percent contained. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
A home surrounded by burnt land stands u
A home surrounded by burnt land stands undamaged after the High Park Fire, in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins June 30, 2012. The High Park Fire burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes making it the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. The High Park Fire is 97 percent contained while the Waldo Canyon Fire, which has burned more than 17,000 acres, left at least two people dead and destroyed 346 homes is 45 percent contained. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
Dragons Eye
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/kcr56rck"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/kcr56rck">kcr56rck</a>:<br />Eye Of The Dragon (High Park Fire from Fort Collins Colorado)
High Park Wildfire
Fire burns behind homes north of Poudre Canyon in the Glacier View area near Livermore, Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
High Park Wildfire
Fire burns behind homes north of Poudre Canyon in the Glacier View area near Livermore, Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
A slurry bomber drops retardant on the High Park wildfire after it crossed to the north side of Poudre Canyon and threatened homes in the Glacier View area near Livermore , Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
The sun sets behind a plume of smoke from the High Park wildfire near Livermore , Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Image via <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151219758154638&set=p.10151219758154638&type=1&theater" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>.
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High Park Wildfire
A firefighting helicopter races to dump a load of water on the fire north of Poudre Canyon in the Glacier View area near Livermore, Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Shirley Paskett, left, and her partner Pam Creech react as they listen to a reverse 911 call telling them to evacuate their home after the High Park wildfire crossed to the north side of Poudre Canyon in the Glacier View area near Livermore, Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Shirley Paskett loads her stuffed bob cat into her vehicle after she and her partner were evacuated from their home after the High Park wildfire crossed to the north side of Poudre Canyon the Glacier View area near Livermore, Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
A firefighting aircraft is dwarfed by a plume of smoke north of Poudre Canyon in the Glacier View area near Livermore, Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Fire burns behind homes north of Poudre Canyon in the Glacier View area near Livermore, Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
In this June 19, 2012 photo provided by the Colorado National Guard, an aircraft drops a load of fire retardant slurry above the High Park wildfire about 15 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo. The ammonium phosphate dropped from airplanes to slow the spread of raging wildfires can turn a pristine mountain stream into a death zone for trout and some say the retardant has never been proven effective. (AP Photo/Colorado National Guard, John Rohrer)
In a photo made on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, and made available on Wednesday by the Colorado National Guard, firefighters from the Monument, Colo., fire department march to dinner at sunset in a base camp near the High Park wildfire about 15 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo.(AP Photo/Colorado National Guard, John Rohrer)
In this June 19, 2012 photo provided by the Colorado National Guard, an aircraft drops a load of fire retardant slurry above the High Park wildfire about 15 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo. The ammonium phosphate dropped from airplanes to slow the spread of raging wildfires can turn a pristine mountain stream into a death zone for trout and some say the retardant has never been proven effective. (AP Photo/Colorado National Guard, John Rohrer)
Burned trees stand on the south side of Poudre Canyon where the High Park wildfire devastated the west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The largest Colorado blaze west of Fort Collins was 55 percent contained and has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
The stairs that led to a home that was destroyed by the High Park Wild fire are photographed during a tour by fire officials in Poudre Canyon west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The largest Colorado blaze west of Fort Collins was 55 percent contained and has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
The stairs that led to a home that was destroyed by the High Park Wild fire are photographed during a tour by fire officials in Poudre Canyon west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The largest Colorado blaze west of Fort Collins was 55 percent contained and has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
A burnt cactus stands near a home that was destroyed by the High Park Wildfire are pictured during a tour by fire officials in Poudre Canyon west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Areas with other homes destroyed were not included in the tour. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Burned trees stand on the south side of Poudre Canyon where the High Park wildfire devastated the west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The largest Colorado blaze west of Fort Collins was 55 percent contained and has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
In this photo made on Monday, June 18, 2012, and made available Wednesday by the Colorado National Guard, a helicopter drops a load of water above the High Park wildfire, about 15 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo.. The fire already has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. (AP Photo/Colorado National Guard, Jess Geffre)
In this photo made on Monday, June 18, 2012, and made available Wednesday by the Colorado National Guard, a helicopter drops a load of water above the High Park wildfire, about 15 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo. The fire already has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. (AP Photo/Colorado National Guard , Jess Geffre)
In this photo taken on Monday, June 18, 2012, and made available Wednesday by the Colorado National Guard, a helicopter drops a load of water above the High Park wildfire, about 15 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo. The fire already has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. (AP Photo/Colorado National Guard , Jess Geffre)
High Park Wildfire, Slurry Bomber
A slurry bomber files through smoke as it circles to make a drop on the High Park wildfire near Livermore, Colo., on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The fire already has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. Incident commander Bill Hahnenberg said it could be weeks or even months before it's finally controlled. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
High Park Wildfire
A spotter plane, top, catches up to a slurry bomber to lead it on a drop on the High Park wildfire near Livermore, Colo., on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The fire already has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. Incident commander Bill Hahnenberg said it could be weeks or even months before it's finally controlled. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Smoke rises beyond a pasture as the High Park wildfire continues to burn out of control near Livermore, Colo., on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The fire already has destroyed at least 189 homes since it was sparked by lightning June 9. Incident commander Bill Hahnenberg said it could be weeks or even months before it's finally controlled. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Fire burns in the forest on the High Park wildfire near Livermore, Colo., on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The wildfire has burned over 180 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
A helicopter lifts off after taking on water to drop on the High Park Fire west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Monday, June 18, 2012. The wildfire has now burned about 90 square miles and destroyed more than 180 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Smoke billows from the High Park Fire west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Monday, June 18, 2012. The wildfire has now burned about 90 square miles and destroyed more than 180 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
A helicopter lifts off after taking on water to drop on the High Park Fire west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Monday, June 18, 2012. The wildfire has now burned about 90 square miles and destroyed more than 180 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Smoke billows from the High Park Fire west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Monday, June 18, 2012. The wildfire has now burned about 90 square miles and destroyed more than 180 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Smoke billows from the High Park Fire west of Fort Collins, Colo., on Monday, June 18, 2012. The wildfire has now burned about 90 square miles and destroyed more than 180 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
The sun sets amidst smoke from the High Park Fire near Bellvue, Colo., on Monday, June 18, 2012. The wildfire has now burned about 90 square miles and destroyed more than 180 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Fire crowns in the trees on the High Park wildfire near Livermore, Colo., on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The wildfire has burned over 180 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
High Park Wildfire
Fire burns in the forest on the High Park wildfire near Livermore, Colo., on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The wildfire has burned over 180 homes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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CP | Posted: 09/09/2012 2:38 pm EDT Updated: 10/21/2012 5:50 pm EDT