UPDATE: Wildfire sparked in Rose Valley dam area of West Kelowna burning away from homes

The wildfire in the Rose Valley dam area of West Kelowna is growing, but it's currently moving away from homes.

Jason Brolund, West Kelowna Fire Chief,  explained that the fire is around the northwestern slope of the Rose Valley reservoir, burning away from homes and away from the reservoir.

Brolund estimated the fire is about five hectares now, and said multiple helicopters and fixed wing air tankers from BC Wildfire have arrived and continue to lay down fire retardant to “box-in” the fire as well as bucket water onto active burning areas in support of ground crews.

Crews from BC Wildfire and WKFR are working together to construct a fire guard, secure a water supply and contain the fire. It is expected to remain active well into the evening.

He can't say how it started but it's under investigation.

"We're asking people to stay out of the area to make our work easier," he said.

Earlier in the day, Gagan Lidhran, fire information officer with the Kamloops Fire Centre, said that as of 2:51 p.m., B.C. Wildfire Service took the lead on the fire. At that time they were hitting the fire hard, sending a Birddog, three air tankers, a helicopter, and two attack crews to the blaze which then mapped at .5 hectares.

Area residents have said it appears to be spreading quickly, with flames and smoke visible from across the lake.

BC Wildfire will have an update within the hour.

Crews are fighting a Rose Valley area fire. SUBMITTED/Jason Brolund


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Kathy Michaels

Kathy Michaels has been an Okanagan-based journalist for more than a decade, working for community papers along the valley and beyond.
She’s won provincial and national awards in business, news and feature writing and says that her love for telling a good story rivals only her fondness for turning a good phrase.
If you have a story that deserves to be told in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To reach Kathy call 250-718-0428 or email kmichaels@infonews.ca.