West Kelowna Fire Rescue knock down grass fire in Glenrosa

File photo contributed

At approximate 5:51 p.m. this evening West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded to a report of a grass fire near homes on Pleasantview Road in the Glenrosa area of West Kelowna. A significant amount of smoke was showing. Given the amount of smoke and the current wildfire danger the incident was upgraded to a 2nd Alarm. Regional Fire Dispatch advised responding units that residents were actioning the fire with garden hoses in order to protect their homes.

The first arriving engine (Engine 31 – Westbank) reported that the fire was burning in grass and brush in a greenbelt behind several homes. The best access to the fire was off of Salloum Road. Engine 31 stretched an attack-line to the fire and they were able achieve a quick knock-down. The fire was surrounded with a hand-guard and thoroughly cold-trailed to ensure that there are no remaining hot-spots. Crews will re-check the fire before leaving the scene and will return later this evening for another re-check.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded with two engines, one water tender, two squads (Wildland-Engines) and two command units for a total of 16 personnel. The BC Wildfire Service diverted a helicopter with a three firefighter initial attack crew from the Findlay Creek Wildfire. The BC Wildifre Service also responded with two additional three firefighter initial attack crews from the Findlay Creek Wildfire via ground. Fortunately these crews were not needed but they did flyover the scene. BC Ambulance Service and West Kelowna RCMP also attended the scene.

The fire has been determined as human caused and it is believed to be suspicious. The investigation at the scene has been concluded and the fire has been turned over to the West Kelowna RCMP.