UPDATE: Knox Mountain grass fire contained; evacuation alert rescinded

KELOWNA – People living in Kelowna’s Magic Estates near the Knox Mountain wildfire are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning now the evacuation alert has been rescinded.

The alert covering homes a mere 350-metres the three-hectare fire, north of the caretaker’s cabin, was lifted at 5:40 a.m. today, June 22, by the Emergency Operations Centre.

Kelowna firefighters are working on hot spots this morning after gaining 100 per cent containment on the blaze overnight. Crews are expected to be on the scene for the next few days to make sure the fire is completely out.

No word yet on the cause of the fire.

The upper portion of Knox Mountain Park is closed and drivers won’t be allowed past the upper gate, according to a media release from the City of Kelowna. It will stay closed until the Kelowna Fire Department deems the area safe.

“We have had above average temperatures over the last couple months, which has resulted in our parks becoming extremely dry and significantly increasing fire risk,” Urban Forestry Supervisor Blair Stewart says in the release.

Stewart is reminding people campfires and barbecues are not allowed in City or Regional District parks, although barbecues are allowed on beaches.

“Smoking is also prohibited in all parks and public spaces,” he says.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.