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(UPDATE: 1 p.m.) - A grass fire that sparked just off Hwy 97 near Glencoe Road is now under control.
West Kelowna Fire Rescue says it grew to about one hectare in size and credits a quick response and assistance from neighbouring fire departments in getting the blaze knocked down.
The fire was human caused, firefighters confirmed. Sparks from grinding and cutting on nearby property were responsible for the ignition.
Paramedics provided medical support and Mounties ensured roads were closed and the public kept safe.
With the dry and windy conditions, the result of the fire could have been much worse, especially with a pair of homes close by.
However, crews were able to take measures to protect the two homes while they worked on dousing the fire.
"We arrived to find it spreading quite quickly. Crews moved very fast to protect one home immediately from fire," said Jason Brolund, West Kelowna fire chief.
"A second home was threatened which we also worked to protect. And then did the best we could to get the fire out."
Brolund says he doesn't believe any homes or property were damaged thanks to the swift response.
Crews remain on scene to mop up the fire.
(Original story: 11 a.m.) - A grass fire has sparked in West Kelowna near the intersection of Glencoe Road and Lower Glenrosa Road.
Videos of the fire, which is only a few metres off Hwy 97, have been taken by commuters and posted to multiple local Facebook groups.
Smoke from the fire in Westbank pic.twitter.com/LPwbEK7gCh
— Wesla English (@WeslaWong) June 18, 2019
Footage contributed by: Terra Jack.
According to the Central Okanagan Scanner Twitter account, fire crews from West Kelowna are responding to the blaze.
They’re being assisted by the Peachland Fire Department and have requested forestry ground crew to attend as well.
Commenters on a video post in the ‘Penticton’ Facebook group say that westbound traffic on Hwy 97 is being turned around, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
A NowMedia reporter is heading to the scene and this story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of a screenshot from Steve Robinson's Facebook video.
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