Hedge fire sparked by cooking outdoors

Several fires were ignited in West Kelowna on Wednesday, including a hedge fire and a workplace fire.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded to a report of flames and smoke visible from a residence on Auburn Drive late Wednesday afternoon.

Crews from Lakeview Heights and Westbank arrived to find a hedge and landscaping on fire next to a mobile home.

All occupants made it out of the home safely and the homeowner was able to suppress some of the fire with a garden hose, said fire Chief Jason Brolund.

Fire crews extinguished and overhauled the area to ensure the fire was out.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, related to cooking outside the home, said Brolund.

There were no injuries and the residents of the mobile home were not displaced.

“The public is reminded that with the recent hot weather and onset of our traditional fire season, the landscaping and urban interface areas around their homes are becoming very dry,” said Brolund. “Fires will start easier and spread faster.”

West Kelowna fire crews were also called to a fire on Pettman Road Wednesday afternoon. The investigation is ongoing.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue is also supporting the RCMP and WorkSafeBC in their investigation of a workplace fire on Dominion Road Wednesday morning.