Philpott Road Fire: News Release #6

Kelowna, B.C.  – There were no unexpected challenges overnight for firefighters on the Philpott Road wildfire. Cool overnight conditions and minimal wind kept the fire from progressing. Thick smoke in the area is due to the lack of air movement overnight.

Crews from Joe Rich, Ellison, Kelowna, Peachland and Lake Country along with ten other fire departments throughout the interior and the BC Wildfire Service monitored the 380-hectare blaze.

An Evacuation Order remains in place affecting about 1,100 people in a large section of Joe Rich, just east of Kelowna in the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. The status of the Evacuation Order will be reviewed this morning to determine if any change can be made.  Residents can see which properties are still under Evacuation Order at www.cordemergency.ca.

The Emergency Support Services reception centre set up at the Willow Park Church, 439 Highway 33 West in Kelowna will open at 10 this morning to help any people affected by the Evacuation Order.

Even though this is an active wildfire, there are still no reports of any structures being impacted.

A decision on the possible opening Highway 33 is expected later this morning.  For now, it remains closed from the Gallaghers Road intersection on the City of Kelowna to Big White Road. A detour route is available for non-commercial passenger vehicles for those who must travel via McCulloch Road. For the latest status please check www.drivebc.ca.

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