UPDATE: Propane tank likely cause of Greata Ranch fire

UPDATE 6:35 p.m., July 30, 2013

PEACHLAND – A propane tank is suspected to be the cause of a recreational vehicle fire, now nearly under control, south of Peachland off of Highway 97.

A neighbouring resident said he heard a propane tank was being hooked up to a trailer. There was a problem with the tank and a fire started near the water's edge below Greata Ranch.

B.C. Wildfire spokesperson Melissa Welsh said the .9 hectare fire is suspected to have been human caused.

The flames climbed the steep slope up to the main house area. Peachland firefighters and B.C. Wildfire staff could be seen in the home's parking lot. Two helicopters dumped Okanagan Lake water again and again on the burning shrub and trees.

There were six firefighters at the start but the number grew to more than 15. The fire was considered a rank three but is now a smouldering ground fire Welsh said.

PEACHLAND – A motorhome that caught fire south of Peachland off Highway 97 on Brent Road and spread to nearby bush appears largely contained.

While there's no official word from B.C. Wildfire, reporter Shannon Quesnel is at the scene near Greata Ranch and says it appears the worst is over. Little smoke is visible any more, though firefighters are still on the ground mopping up. The fire started around 5 p.m. Close proximity to Okanagan Lake appears to have helped. Two helicopters bucketed water and "reduced the smoke significantly." Little wind is reported in the area.

Traffic on Highway 97 was not been greatly impacted.

Police were called in to patrol Okanagan Lake and control boaters coming in for a closer look.

More to come.

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