Philpott Road Fire: News Release #8

Structural firefighters are on the ground tonight 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 hotspots 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 is not expected to change overnight.  The status of the order will be assessed again late tomorrow morning and will only be adjusted when it is safe.  An estimated 1,100 people are out of their homes for a second night.  

BC Wildfire crews and equipment are also on the ground overnight fighting the fire and monitoring conditions. 

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 tomorrow 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 Saturday.

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.