UPDATE: West Kelowna crews battle two fires

(Photo courtesy of Russ Byth)

UPDATE: 4:38 p.m.

Just after 1 p.m. today, West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded to a second wildfire along Carrington Road.

Crews were re-deployed from the earlier Glenrosa fire, along with mutual aid units from the Kelowna and Peachland Fire Departments, as well as BC Wildfire.

The wind-driven fire was approximately 200 feet by 80 feet in mixed grass and pine trees and was displaying Rank 3 behavior when crews arrived.

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Large volumes of water brought the fire under control, and crews were able to quickly establish a guard around the fire by tying into an exiting pathway.

The fire was human-caused and is currently under investigation.

Concurrent with the two wildfires, firefighters responded to a technical rescue at the top of Mount Boucherie for a hiker in distress.

Crews hiked to the top of Mount Boucherie where they located one patient who was taken down the mountain and handed over to BC Ambulance.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded to a human-caused, rapidly moving fire in the vicinity of Lower Glenrosa Road and Glencoe Road around 10:30 Tuesday.

The fire was reported by multiple callers to 9-1-1, according to a release.

“Initial arriving crews from the Westbank station found a fire that was spreading uphill and threatening a home as well as a workshop,” said West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund. “They took up an offensive tactical position to protect the properties and ensure the residents were made safe.”

Firefighters from Lakeview Heights, Rose Valley and Glenrosa responded to the fire, said Brolund.

Five West Kelowna Fire apparatus and 20 WKFR firefighters responded.

The fire grew to approximately one-half hectare.

Such was the concern that crews from the Peachland Fire Department also responded to assist under the Regional Mutual Aid agreement.

“A single water tender from Peachland along with two firefighters provided additional water supply as hydrants in the area were limited,” said Brolund.

The BC Wildfire Service sent two initial attack crews that assisted with fire control and mop up.

“Investigators from West Kelowna Fire Rescue and the RCMP have concluded their investigation. The fire was human caused. Sparks from hot works (grinding and cutting) on an adjacent property were deemed to be the ignition source.”

Brolund said that the fire danger remains high, the public are reminded to be extremely cautious with any activities that may cause sparks or heat in the wildland urban interface.

“As evidenced by this fire, it only take one small spark to ignite an out of control fire.”

Following this fire, West Kelowna crews had to tackle a second incident at the south end of Carrington Road.

“Firefighters made quick work of it thankfully,” said eye witness Russ Byth.