Crews deal with wind-driven grass fire

Firefighters in West Kelowna had their hands full with a grass fire that broke out on the south slopes of Mt. Boucherie near Daroch Park around 2 p.m. Friday.

Fire chief Jason Brolund said the first arriving crews were faced with a quickly growing fire, being driven uphill by strong winds.

“This is a common scenario on a hot Okanagan afternoon,” Brolund said.

The firefighters were able to prevent the fire from growing further.

“Firefighters worked hard to place a hand line and hand guard around the fire despite the difficult terrain,” Brolund commented.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

“Witnesses report seeing persons fleeing the area at the time smoke was seen. RCMP and Bylaw Officers from West Kelowna and Westbank remain in the area investigating,” the fire chief stated.

Brolund passed along his appreciation to the public for their prompt reporting of the fire, which allowed crews to hit it hard and fast resulting in a positive outcome.

He also reminded the public to pull over and make way for emergency vehicles that have lights and sirens activated.