An aerial photo of the Philpott Road wildfire burning about 20 kilometres east of Kelowna taken on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/B.C. Wildfire Service
August 30, 2017 - 1:58 PM
KELOWNA – Thanks to reduced fire activity, about 125 more Joe Rich residents evacuated due to the Philpott Road wildfire east of Kelowna have been allowed to return home.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre says the evacuation order has been rescinded for 53 properties, which translates into about 125 people.
The properties are now under an evacuation alert and residents must be ready to leave at a moments notice.
There are now only 35 properties, or about 77 people, under an evacuation order in Joe Rich, according to Emergency Operations officials.
To view a detailed map showing properties under evacuation orders and alerts go to the Emergency Operations website.
Philpott Road access is closed at Highway 33 to everyone but emergency and B.C. Wildfire vehicles, officials say, while emergency and fire personnel are active at Three Forks Road.
Highway 33 is open in both directions, but with a reduced speed limit in the fire zone between Schram Road and Cardinal Creek Road.
Go to the Drive B.C. website for the latest updates.
The Emergency Support Services reception centre at Willow Park Church at 439 Highway 33 West in Kelowna will be open today, Aug. 30, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For the very latest information go to the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website here.
The 465 hectare Philpott Road wildfire started on Aug. 24 east of Kelowna forcing over 1,100 to flee their homes. The person-caaused fire, which is burning in heavy timber and steep terrains, is 20 per cent contained and still considered out of control by B.C. Wildfire.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017