Small wildfire in Glen Canyon last night was human-caused

WEST KELOWNA – West Kelowna firefighters had to hike and set up specialized equipment in order to get to a small fire in a steep and rugged area of Upper Westbank last night.

Crews were called with a report of grey smoke in the area of Glen Canyon Regional Park around 7 p.m. Aug. 16. According to Platoon Capt. Darren Lee, the call was upgraded to a second alarm based on the location of the fire and “anticipated access issues.”

“Firefighters were able to hike into the steep and rugged section of the canyon to contain the fire,” he says in a media release. “While a hand-guard was being dug around the fire, a portable pump was set up in Powers Creek.”

The 20’ by 20’ wildfire was contained with help from a B.C. Wildfire Service team, Engine 32 from Lakeview Heights and Squad 34 from Glenrosa.

“Preliminary fire cause and origin investigation indicates that the fire was human caused and the ignition source is undetermined,” Lee says.

The investigation continues as crews check for hot spots.

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.