FINAL UPDATE: Crews gaining ground on West Kelowna grass fire

WEST KELOWNA – A one-hectare wildfire near the Rose Valley Reservoir is now out.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue Chief Jason Brolund says while wind fanned the fire to a rank three with visible flames on a steep slopes, no homes were ever in danger, in a news release at 9:30 p.m. tonight, June 26.

The fire started was reported around 5 p.m. near the Rose Valley Dam. It started as a rank two ground fire burning up a steep slope before 21 firefighters working eight trucks surrounded it with water lines and a fire guard. West Kelowna utilities crews were also on hard to monitor security and safety of the reservoir, which was not affected, Brolund said.

Crews may remain on scene overnight and they'll watch the are for hot spots over the weekend.

Cause was not determined.

"West Kelowna Fire Rescue thanks the citizens in the area who reported the fire, allowing us to quickly attack," Brolund said. "Going into a very warm weekend and Canada Day holiday, we urge the public to be fire safe and use extreme caution. Be vigilant and do not hesitate to report smoke or fire immediately.

– updated throughout the night as information was obtained.

– updated at 9:52 p.m. with information from Chief Brolund.

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.