Update: Joe Rich Fire: Evacuations Being Assessed

Update 1 pm:

Officials say the Philpott Road Fire was calm overnight, but is still considered out of control.

Overnight, fire crews worked to snuff out fires and hot spots, monitored the blaze, and protected properties from the Philpott Road wildfire.

The Central Okanagan Regional District says there haven’t been any reports of damage and there were no significant changes to the fire overnight thanks to favourable weather conditions.

The fire is estimated to be 465 hectares in size.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

At this time, crews are assessing the Evacuation Order area and it will be adjusted only when it is safe to do so.

About 1,100 people are currently out of their homes.

Visit www.cordemergency.ca for an interactive map of the evacuation order area and to sign up for emergency e-updates.

Residents are reminded to respect roadblocks and closures, and exercise caution when driving, especially in areas where people are working or stationed close to the road. Entering areas under evacuation order is not permitted and puts the public and crews at risk.

Highway 33 is still closed as a result of the fire. Visit drivebc.ca for updates on road closures.

Those who decide to use the detour route via McCulloch Road should use extreme caution and drive no more than 35 kilometres an hour as this is not a regularly maintained route and is only recommended for non-commercial, passenger vehicles.

The Emergency Support Services reception centre at Willow Park Church (439 Highway 33 West, Kelowna) is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Anyone under evacuation order should check in with Emergency Support Services.

Residents affected by the Philpott Road wildfire are eligible for up to $600 financial assistance per household by registering with Red Cross. Register at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-863-6582.

11 am update:

Structural firefighters were on the ground last night actively working to protect buildings and properties from the Philpott Road wildfire. So far, there haven’t been any reports of damage.

Overnight, 25 firefighters with seven trucks from several departments across the Central and South Okanagan will be protecting buildings, snuffing out fires and hot spots and monitoring the blaze throughout the Joe Rich area, east of Kelowna.

Due to the ongoing active nature of the fire, the Evacuation Order remains in effect and did not change today.

BC Wildfire crews and equipment remain on scene fighting the fire and monitoring conditions. 70 firefighters are dealing with the efforts this afternoon along with 4

bucketing helicopters, with aircraft available if needed. The fire has not grown since it started.

Since opening the Emergency Support Services reception centre yesterday at Willow Park Church (439 Highway 33 West) in Kelowna, volunteers have registered 572 evacuees.

Those affected by the Evacuation Order will be able to visit the reception centre again today from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Sunday from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
The next scheduled update from the Emergency Operations Centre is anticipated after 12:00 pm today.

Get the latest information and see a detailed map at www.cordemergency.ca

You can also monitor our Social Media channels, facebook.com/CORDEmergency or twitter.com/CO_Emerg for the latest updates.