Philpott Road Fire: News Release #12

Another hot day ahead on the fire lines for the crews attacking 465-hectare Philpott Road wildfire.  BC Wildfire says there is 20 per cent containment.

Overnight structural firefighters and those from the BC Wildfire Service continued monitoring and firefighting efforts.  Today, approximately 90 firefighters from several Central and South Okanagan departments will be working on protecting homes and buildings throughout the fire area using almost two dozen trucks and water tenders.  BC Wildfire crews and equipment are also coordinating their firefighting plans for the day ahead.

The Evacuation Order remains in place affecting approximately 600 residents from just over 200 properties.  Officials will continue to assess the status of the Order and when it is safe, will make adjustments.  Another 600 residents from 263 properties were allowed to return to their homes yesterday and remain under an Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave on short notice should fire conditions change.

Other than household pets, like cats and dogs, animals are not allowed back in at this time, due to the uncertainty about fire behaviour and the potential for Evacuation Orders to be re-instated if necessary.

Residents on the Falcon Ridge water system are restricted to household use only – no irrigation permitted to preserve water supply to fight the fire.

The Emergency Support Services reception centre at Willow Park Church along Highway 33 in Kelowna will be open today from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Highway 33 remains closed this morning.  The latest information can be found at Drive BC www.drivebc.ca.

For an updated, interactive map of the revised evacuation order and alert areas, visit www.cordemergency.ca. Updates are also available via social media; follow us at facebook.com/CORDEmergency or twitter.com/CO_Emerg.