Grass fire breaks out south of Okanagan Falls
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: July 22, 2009 3:20 PM
A grass fire broke out along the east side of Highway 97 one kilometre north of Gallagher Lake around 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon.
Fire departments from Oliver and Okanagan Falls were dispatched to the scene, along with forestry crews and RCMP members who provided traffic control.
The fire engulfed an area of scrub brush just north of the KOA campground and a hydro sub station. Residents were put on alert at this time but were not required to evacuate.
Air tankers from Penticton airport were also put to work as the potential to spread due to recent hot, dry conditions was great.
Highway 97 was closed for two hours on Monday night, then opened to one lane for several hours later in the evening.
As of 8 p.m Monday night, the fire had grown to 9.4 hectares and was moving slowly in a southeasterly direction away from residences and structures
Forestry crews remain on scene.
Investigation of the fire has revealed that burning debris dislodged from a commercial vehicle that was travelling the highway had blown into an area of dry brush and ignited it.
No charges are pending over the incident.
v2
