Crews douse grass fire likely caused by cigarette

People who smoke are being encouraged to discard their materials responsibly after a grass fire broke out off the highway in Kelowna.

At 11:15 a.m. today (March 20), the Kelowna Fire Department Dispatch Center began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a grass fire in the area of Dry Valley Road and Highway 97, just north of the Kelowna Airport.

“The first arriving officer reported a grass fire along the embankment next to Highway 97 approximately 400 metres north of Dry Valley Road, Platoon Captain John Kelly said. “The fire was classed as rank one and wind driven. It grew to 100 by 200 feet before it was brought under control and extinguished.”

Kelly said the cause is undetermined, but most likely from discarded smoking material.

“We would like to remind everyone that as the ground quickly starts to dry out, please dispose of smoking material responsibly and in an appropriate container,” the captain stated.

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(File stock photo)