Rodent controlling device sparked fire in West Kelowna

WEST KELOWNA – A close call with a barn fire is prompting West Kelowna's fire chief to remind everyone to be careful during these hot, long days.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday, to a barn on fire in the Gellatly Road area.

"First arriving crews from the Westbank Station found a 20 by 40 foot barn that was fully involved with fire," said Jason Brolund, in a press release. "Crews from Lakeview Heights assisted with laying hose lines across the field and knocking down the fire."

READ MORE: FIRE HALL CLOSURE IN WEST KELOWNA

Crews from Rose Valley and Glenrosa station provided support. 13 firefighters in total attended the scene and working alongside the RCMP and BC Ambulance.

"The barn appears to be used as a stable for horses, but we do not believe any horses were harmed in the fire," he said. "Fire Investigators attended the scene and determined the cause of the fire was accidental. It is believed to be related to the use of a smoke device that was being used to control rodents in the farming operation."

As our fire danger increases this week, the public is reminded to be extra cautious with any sort of device that could create heat or spark a fire.

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