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Kelowna  

Evacuation partially lifted

The evacuation order for the Joe Rich wildfire has been partially lifted for 114 properties. The 28 properties remaining on evacuation order cannot return home and include:

  • 6090 Highway 33                                1848 Huckleberry Road                    
  • 6130 Highway 33                                1876 Huckleberry Road
  • 6210 Highway 33                                1898 Huckleberry Road        
  • 6380 Highway 33                                1935 Huckleberry Road        
  • 6440 Highway 33                                1940 Huckleberry Road                    
  • 6446 Highway 33                                1947 Huckleberry Road                                
  • 6450 Highway 33                                1955 Huckleberry Road
  • 6460 Highway 33                                1957 Huckleberry Road
  • 1733 Huckleberry Road                     1959 Huckleberry Road
  • 1735 Huckleberry Road                     1960 Huckleberry Road
  • 1736 Huckleberry Road                     1961 Huckleberry Road
  • 1737 Huckleberry Road                     1967 Huckleberry Road
  • 1842 Huckleberry Road                     1969 Huckleberry Road
  • 1843 Huckleberry Road                     1973 Huckleberry Road

The properties previously on evacuation order and all properties currently on evacuation alert are on evacuation alert and should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice, should conditions change and the evacuation order needs to be reinstated or expanded.

BC Wildfire Services is reporting the fire is 100 per cent contained, however, active hotspots continue. It is anticipated there will be heavy smoke in the area for several days. The fire has now been mapped and is 55 hectares in size. 

Returning residents are reminded they may encounter various hazards on private properties as a result of the forest fire. The public is also requested to stay out of fire-affected areas for their own safety and to obey all warning and hazards signs. The evacuation order area remains closed to everyone.

As active fire suppression work continues, stay out of the way of emergency vehicles and crews. Ten structural fire fighters from various Central Okanagan fire departments along with 20 personnel from the BC Wildfire Service will continue working throughout the night.  

The reception centre at Willow Park Church will close tonight at 10 p.m. and re-open Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

A detailed map with the latest evacuation order and alert areas showing affected roads and addresses can be viewed online at www.cordemergency.ca.

RCMP continues to staff roadblocks and will conduct security patrols overnight through the evacuation area.  Highway 33 will remain open to single lane alternating traffic.

The next anticipated update is expected at approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday.



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