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West Kelowna  

Evacuations lifted

UPDATE 3 P.M.

All evacuations resulting from the Scott Crescent fire have now been rescinded.

According to the Emergency Operations Centre, the fire that started late this morning is now out.

The fire grew to about two hectares in size below Scott Crescent, prompting initial evacuation orders for nine homes. Those residents may return to their homes.

Over the coming days, residents can expect to see fire personnel in the area as they mop up the fire. 

For their safety, members of the public are also asked to stay out of the fire-affected areas and to obey all warning and hazards signs. 

The West Kelowna Fire Department, with assistance from the Wildfire Management Branch, worked on extinguishing the fire. Three halls from West Kelowna were called to battle the blaze. The fire department also called in air and ground support from the province.

Provincial fire information officer Melissa Klassen said planes blanketed about 50 per cent of the fire with retardant.


UPDATE: 1:35 p.m.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations say nine homes on Scott Crescent and one home on Spyglass Way have been evacuated.

"Well-trained emergency response crews are currently responding to the situation and dealing with the priorities of the incident," says the emergency operations centre. 

The smoke appears to be dying down as firefighters seem to be getting a handle on the blaze.

The addresses are: 1825, 1837, 1849, 1851, 1875, 1887, 1903, 1911 Scott Cres. and 1923 Spyglass Way.


UPDATE: 1 p.m.

There are now 10 homes evacuated above a wildfire on the Westside.

RCMP say the evacuated homes are on Scott Crescent. 


UPDATE: 12:35 p.m.

The BC Wildfire Service is sending in reinforcements by air.

"We do have air tankers that are currently en route to help slow the spread," said fire information officer Melissa Klassen.

The planes are coming from Penticton. 


UPDATE: 12:20 p.m.

Homes have been evacuated due to an aggressive wildfire burning above Westside Road.

The West Kelowna Fire Department says four homes have been evacuated so far as fire crews fight the flames.

Assistant fire Chief Brent Watson said the grass fire is currently Rank 2-3 and moving uphill away from a nearby mobile home park.

"At this point in time it's still pretty fluid. we're just trying to get this thing knocked down," he said.

– with files from Jennifer Zielinski


ORIGINAL

A fast-moving wildfire is burning below homes on the Westside.

Firefighters rushed to the highly visible fire at about 11:30 a.m. on Friday, off Spland Road.

"It's starting to move up in the trees," said Nicole Tourigny, who drove right past the fire. "It's unbelievable. If they don't get it out, it'll be dangerous for the homes."

"It's not big but it's growing fast."

A Castanet reporter on scene says it appears someone had been open burning and the flames spread. Firefighters have had to bring in a truck with water.

Neighbours unsuccessfully attempted to fight the fire with hoses.



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