Firefighting efforts continue: News Release No. 18

Central Okanagan, B.C. – Crews continued to action the Philpott wildfire today with approximately 35 structural crews from eight Central and North Okanagan fire departments with thirteen pieces of equipment in the ongoing firefighting effort.

Approximately 77 residents from 35 properties remain on evacuation order. About 1,023 residents from approximately 439 properties remain on evacuation alert and should be prepared to leave their homes again on short notice, if fire conditions change. When it is safe, adjustments will be made to the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas.

Residents allowed back to their properties should be aware that active fire suppression work continues throughout the area of the fire.  Ground crews will continue extinguishing spot fires and conducting danger assessments and falling trees in fire impacted areas.

Please stay out of the way of emergency vehicles and crews.  BC Emergency Preparedness has additional information for returning home after a wildfire.

The Emergency Support Services reception centre at Willow Park Church, 439 Highway 33 West will be open from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm today.

The next update from the Emergency Operation Centre is anticipated by noon tomorrow.

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

For the latest information visit www.cordemergency.ca. Updates are also available via social media; follow us at facebook.com/CORDEmergency or twitter.com/CO_Emerg