Philpott Road Fire: News Release #7

Conditions have been good today for crews fighting the Philpott Road wildfire.  BC Wildfire Service says the blaze grew slightly from late yesterday and is estimated at 400-hectares.

Structural fire crews continue their efforts to protect buldings throughout the area while BC Wildfire crews and equipment on the ground and with helicopters have been working to get some containment.  There haven’t been any reports of structural damage at this point, however the fire is still very active and official damage assessments have not been completed.

As the fire is still considered out of control, there is no change with the Evacuation Order which affects approximately 1,100 people and over 470 properties.  Should there be any change you can get the latest information and updates and see a detailed map at www.cordemergency.ca.

The Emergency Support Services reception centre volunteers have been extremely busy, having registered over 570 people at the centre in Willow Park Church, 439 Highway 33 West in Kelowna.  Today they’ve assisted 331 residents affected by the Evacuation Order and they processed 241 yesterday.  The reception centre will close tonight at 6:00.  It will operate tomorrow from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Sunday from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

The Canadian Red Cross says with the support of the Provincial Government, residents affected by  the Philpott Road wildfire are eligible for up to $600 financial assistance per household by registering with the Red Cross.  Register by going online to redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-863-6582.

With the continued Evacuation Order, Highway 33 remains closed.  Those who may use the detour route via McCulloch Road are reminded to 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.

Monitor cordemergency.ca, facebook.com/CORDEmergency or twitter.com/CO_Emerg for the latest information.