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The BC Wildfire Management Branch estimates the Joe Rich Fire is now 80 hectares in size, and it is rapidly growing.
Smoke billowing from the fire (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
Winds are 20 kilometres per hour in the area, which is pushing the fire up the mountain. The fire is still within the Joe Rich Fire Department jurisdiction and the Wildfire Service is assisting local crews. There are 27 firefighters with support from airtankers and helicopters assisting Joe Rich firefighters. Currently the fire is not contained and an evacuation order is in effect for several roads in the area including Huckleberry Road, Jack Pine Road, and Prather Road. Residents along Goudie Road and Sun Valley Road are on evacuation alert.
People fleeing the area after being evacuated (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
The emergency support services reception centre is set up for those on evacuation order at Willow Park Church located at 439 Highway 33. It is unknown at this time how many people have been evacuated.
@KelownaNow filling from BMID reservoir for highway 33 fire suppression. pic.twitter.com/5GyEgFoPRa
— Jeff Clark (@clark_jeff) July 4, 2015 The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the blaze is suspected to be human-caused.
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