Heritage buildings protected in Gellatly Heritage Park grass fire

West Kelowna Fire and Rescue raced to the scene of small grass fire that broke out near a group of heritage buildings below Gellatly Heritage Park today.

The first engine on the scene focused on protecting two heritage buildings and a home in the park. Their efforts were successful.

Staff for the Regional District recently cut back grass and weeds growing in the area near the buildings assistant fire chief Darren Lee stated in a press release and "this defensible space helped to protect the heritage site".

Fire and Rescue responded to the report with two engines, one water tender, one squad, two safety officers, two duty chiefs and an initial attack crew from Wildfire Management for a total of 17 firefighters.

Fire investigators determined the 1.5 to 2 ha fire was accidentally caused by sparks from the cutting of metal.