Crews work to protect buildings from wildfire east of Kelowna

KELOWNA – Firefighters worked overnight to protect structures and properties from the Philpott Road wildfire near Kelowna.

Firefighters and seven trucks from several departments across the Central and South Okanagan spent the night fighting fires to protect buildings, snuff out fires and hot spots and monitoring the 400 hectare blaze in the Joe Rich area, according to a Central Okanagan Emergency Operations media release. 

B.C. Wildfire crews and equipment were also present overnight to fight the fire and monitor conditions, officials say.

The evacuation order remains in effect, however, the status of the order will be assessed again today, Aug. 26. If safe, adjustments will be made to the order. The release says there are an estimated 1,100 people displaced by this fire.

The Willow Park Church volunteers in Kelowna, located at 439 Highway 33 West, have registered 572 evacuees. The centre will be open again today at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents can see which properties are still under the evacuation order by clicking the link. 

For the very latest updates and information go to the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website here.

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