By Global Okanagan

Evacuation order issued as wildfire breaks out near Kelowna

Aug 24, 2017 | 4:31 PM

KELOWNA — An evacuation order has been issued as a wildfire has flared up in the Joe Rich area near Kelowna.

The order covers the whole area of Joe Rich, from Walker Hill on the Highway 33 western boundary of the City of Kelwona, to Mission Creek and Joe Rich Creek along the south, said a news release from the Central Okanagan Regional District (CORD).

The order affects an estimated 1,100 people and 474 properties, the regional district added. About 2,500 customers have also had their electrical service interrupted, said a service alert from FortisBC.

The company will have a better idea of when power will be restored after “necessary repairs to FortisBC infrastructure has been made.”