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(UPDATE: 10:40 p.m.)
West Kelowna Fire Department says evacuees can return home at 11 p.m. tonight.
Crews have made good progress on the Boucherie Fire this evening. The fire is guarded and firefighters will remain on scene overnight.
The residents of Royal Gala Dr and Gala View Drive as well as the Mission Hill Winery who were tactically evacuated will be allowed to return to their homes at 11 p.m. once firefighters have wrapped up in their neighbourhood.
There are 50 personnel on scene from West Kelowna Fire Rescue, Peachland Fire Rescue, Kelowna Fire Department, BC Wildfire Service, RCMP, WFN Law Enforcement and the BC Ambulance. Air support from the BC Wildfire Service was requested and arrived on scene. It was determined that ground crews were making good progress and air support was not required.
The fire is estimated to be 5 hectares in size and is not spreading at this time although active fire will visible overnight and tomorrow.
The public is thanked for their cooperation. The fire remains under investigation. There were no structures damaged and no injuries reported.
Further updates will be provided in the morning.
(UPDATE: 9:45 p.m.)
Ground crews with hoses were working the grass and brush fire from the top of the hill near the Mission Hill winery.
The two water bombers that circled for around 30 minutes moved off west without releasing their payload.
Ground crews did appear to be making good headway, but open flame was visible in many hotspots. Winds are still a big factor.
(UPDATE: 9:05 p.m.) - Crews appear to be getting the upper hand on the fire on Mt. Boucherie, near Mission Hill Winery.
Two waterbombers are currently circling the area and reportedly about to attack the fire.
NowMedia will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
(UPDATE: 8:45 p.m.) - Boucherie Road is blocked off to vehicle traffic at Ridge Estates Drive as crews continue to battle the grass fire near Mission Hill Winery.
A KelownaNow staff member at the scene says it appears as though fire crews are gaining a bit of an upper hand on the fire.
However, the flames are difficult to access with hoses as it's up on the hillside, but 30 to 40 ground crew continue to battle the fire.
The fire line appears to be around 200 feet up the hill.
NowMedia will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
Email any photos or videos you may have to news@kelownanow.com.
(UPDATE: 8:20 p.m.) - A grass fire is currently burning on Mount Boucherie, near Mission Hill Winery.
The winery is being evacuated as a precautionary measure.
West Kelowna Fire Rescue is on the scene, battling visible flames, according to a KelownaNow staff member near the scene.
Wind is proving to be a significant factor in the battle against these flames right now.
A smokey smell can be detected from as far as downtown Kelowna.
BC Wildfire Service has not indicated that any crew members are on the way to the scene at this time.
NowMedia will update this story as more information is made available.
Original Story
Heavy smoke visible in West Kelowna.
KelownaNow reporter heading to the scene. If you have any information, photos or video send in to news@kelownanow.com.
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