Joe Rich fire rescue

The Joe Rich community is a rural area within the unincorporated Central Okanagan East Electoral Area just outside the eastern boundary of Kelowna. It's accessed via Highway 33.

Approximately 550 homes with an estimated 1,200 residents are sparsely spread throughout the fire protection area of some 50 square kilometres.

The forest makeup throughout the area is dominantly pine with the occasional pockets of fir, cedar, spruce and balsam. Its coniferous makeup includes alder, poplar and birch at an elevation between 2,000 to 3,000 feet.

Joe Rich is served by two fire stations: the original station 51 on Highway 33 and a second hall, station 52, on Goudie Road. Each hall meets the Fire Underwriters' Survey level of 3B qualifying surrounding residents and their properties for insurance discounts.

See equipment list

• The fire hall was built in 1979.
• Initially, it was only responsible for structure fires. Now responsibilities encompass all emergency services from the top of Black Mountain hill to Beaverdell and part way up the road to Big White as well. In the valley, a 911 call for medical help, rescue, forest or car fires, vehicular accidents or natural disasters brings the fire department first.
• The department services over 500 homes.

If you're interested in joining the Joe Rich Fire Department, please see our recruitment page.