Progress on wildfire east of Kelowna means more people allowed back home

KELOWNA – More people evacuated by the Philpott Road wildfire are going home today.

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre says the evacuation order for some of the properties along Phillpot Road has been lifted this afternoon, Sept. 1, thanks to the progress being made fighting the wildfire.

About 90 firefighters are working the 465 hectare wildfire which is still about 30 per cent contained.

Today's change means there are now 18 properties still on evacuation order with another 62 on evacuation alert.

For a detailed map of the orders and alerts go here.

Officials with Emergency Operations are asking evacuees to report to the Emergency Support Services reception centre at Willow Park Church at 439 Highway 33 West to get information in case there is an opportunity this weekend to escort them to their homes to get items they may need over the long weekend and for the start of the school year.

The reception centre will be open until 6 p.m. tonight, Sept. 1, and tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

An area restriction for all Crown land in the vicinity of the Philpott Road wildfire is in effect. Recreational use of crown land, including hunting, is prohibited in the specified area, check the boundaries and you can click the link to learn more about specific access and restrictions.

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

You can follow Emergency Operations on Facebook here or on Twitter here.


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Taylor Rae

Before university, Taylor spent a year abroad living in Thailand which encouraged her to finish her degree studying in Turkey, both experiences have made her an avid traveller. Taylor graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a degree in Communications and Public Relations. Although born on the coast, Taylor has lived the majority of her life in Kamloops and enjoys what the region has to offer. In her spare time, you can find Taylor volunteering in the community or out on an adventure with her friends and her dogs.

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