Fire destroys vehicle, occupants left scene

Jul 9, 2019 | 10:34 AM

There was long traffic backups on Highway 97 near the O’Keefe Ranch Monday afternoon.

It was due to a vehicle fire that extended into a field around 4:45 p.m.

Armstrong Spallumcheen fire chief Ian Cummings said they had to close the highway for about 15 minutes to extinguish it.

“We got a report of a car fire at the side of the highway, 3900 block, and found a fully involved car with the fire extending into the field,” he said.

Cummings said fortunately the field was “pretty green” and the 22 fire fighters who responded were able to contain it.

Charger rollout

Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC

Apr 24, 2026

Secondary Dwellings

Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands

Apr 24, 2026

Wildfire Risks

Okanagan's Fire Danger Rating already up to Moderate

Apr 23, 2026

“If it had of been last year, it would have been a different story,” he said.

The fire chief said there were no injuries and the vehicle was destroyed, so much so, that they’re not sure what type it was.

“It was possibly a Jeep Cherokee. That type of vehicle, but it was burnt beyond recognition. We weren’t able to find the occupants. They had left the scene. The RCMP did come out. We completed our investigation and we’re just going to leave it with them at this point.”

Cummings said there is no word on the cause with RCMP investigating.

(Submitted photo)

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments