Philpott Road Fire: News Release #13

Philpott Road Fire

With progress on the Philpott Road wildfire, the Evacuation Order has again been partially rescinded allowing approximately 120 Joe Rich residents from 52 properties to return home.

Some returning residents living along Sun Valley Road, Peregrine Road and one property on Goudie Road will remain on Evacuation Alert and if fire conditions change, they must be prepared to leave their homes on short notice.  To view a detailed map of the expanded alert area and remaining area under order visit www.cordemergency.ca.

Properties now on evacuation alert include:

  • 6785 Goudie Road

  • 8315 – 8751 Peregrine Road

  • 6738 – 8011 Sun Valley Road

Returning residents should be aware that active fire suppression work continues throughout the area of the fire.  Please stay out of the way of emergency vehicles and crews.  Residents are also reminded that they may encounter various hazards on private properties as a result of the forest fire. BC Emergency Preparedness has additional information for returning home after a wildfire.

Household pets, like cats and dogs are only allowed to return with residents.  Other 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.

The Evacuation Order remains in effect for about 160 properties affecting 380 residents.  When it is safe and fire conditions allow, the order will be adjusted. 

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

Today, approximately 90 structural firefighters from various Central and South Okanagan fire departments are protecting buildings and homes within the fire area.  BC Wildfire Service crews and heavy equipment are also actively reinforcing existing guards and building new ones.  BC Wildfire estimates the blaze has burned approximately 465-hectares and is 20 per cent contained.

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

As of 10:30 this morning, Highway 33 is open to single lane, alternating, piloted traffic. Motorists are asked to be patient with the escort process, obey flaggers and speed limits through the area.  Visit drivebc.ca for updates.

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