Crews respond to multiple fires along highway

It’s not just discarded cigarettes that can cause fires along roads.

Fire officials in West Kelowna say sparks from a mechanical source are believed to have caused multiple grass fires along Highway 97 near Nancee Way in West Kelowna during the noon hour Monday, July 24.

Deputy fire chief Brent Watson said the fires were all within 200 meters of each other, with the largest about 100 feet by 60 feet.

“All three fires were quickly extinguished. The cause of the fires is undetermined, although sparks from a mechanical source are likely to blame,” Watson said.

Watson said the fires started easily in the dried grass along the highway, and are a reminder of the current high to extreme fire danger rating.