Orders Rescinded For Joe Rich Fire

Just seven properties are still on evacuation order for the 10 day old wildfire east of Kelowna.

When the fire in the Joe Rich area first broke out August 24, 474 homes were evacuated, totalling 1,100 people.

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre is downgrading the Evacuation Order for some additional residents affected by the 465-hectare Philpott Road wildfire.

The 11 properties changing from Evacuation Order to Evacuation Alert are from 480 – 1102 Philpott Road.

As well, residents from 22 properties along Highway 33 East and Philpott Road remain on Evacuation Alert.

These residents are allowed to return to their homes, but are on Alert and should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice.

The remaining seven properties from 1120 – 1495 Philpott Road are still on Evacuation Order and are unable to return at this time.

“When conditions allow and it is safe for them to be allowed home, the Order will be adjusted. Everyone involved in fighting this fire is doing their best to get everyone back to their homes as quickly as possible,” says a release.

In addition, the Evacuation Alert has been completely rescinded for the following 57 properties:

The Emergency Support Services reception centre at Willow Park Church, 439 Highway 33 West is open until 5 pm today to assist those remaining residents on Evacuation Order.

On Monday, the ESS reception centre will move to the main Kelowna fire hall, 2255 Enterprise Way. It will be open from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm.

To view a detailed map showing properties that are on Order and Alert, please visit www.cordemergency.ca/map

All Evacuation Orders and Alerts can be confirmed by viewing www.cordemergency.ca/map.