RCMP investigating ‘man-made’ fire on Knox Mountain

KELOWNA – The grass fire on Knox Mountain is now fully contained however crews will be on site occasionally throughout the day watching for hot spots.

Kelowna Fire Department Platoon Capt. Tim Light says firefighters, with the help of two bucket helicopters and a B.C. Wildfire aircraft, were able to establish a fire perimeter and knock down all visible flames by 6 p.m. Sunday, July 30.

RCMP are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which started around 2 p.m., but Light says it was human caused.

“It is a man-made fire,” he says, referring all other questions to Kelowna RCMP.

A media release from RCMP says initial reports were that the fire was intentionally set and an unknown person was observed walking away from the scene.

"As Kelowna Fire Dept worked on containing the fire, RCMP offciers set up a perimeter in the area in efforts to identify as many people in the area as possible," Cpl. Dan Moskaluk says.

“Although no structures were damaged as a result of the fire, it certainly posed an immediate risk to area residents.  The immediate response from Kelowna Fire Dept, BC Wildfire Services and the Kelowna RCMP mitigated the possibilities of the fire spreading and the endangerment of the residences in the area.  A variety of descriptions of possible suspects were given to police, and this time the investigation is ongoing."

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Kelowna RCMP at 250-762 3300 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.