Oliver Grass Fire

It took six units and nearly 50 men about six hours to contain a grass fire which broke out in Oliver Thursday afternoon.

The fire started in a vacant area near Black Sage Road and 312 Avenue just after 3:30.

Oliver fire department spokesperson, Doug Klsen, says the fire was considered medium size.

“We rate fires on a scale of one to five and this one was about a two, it consumed about 40 acres. We had a lot of crews and equipment on scene but it was contained,” says Klsen.

He says the area isn’t close to any structures, so it was easier to control.

“We are investigating the cause, at this point I can’t say anything else about what could have started it,” says Klsen.

He says between 15 and 20 of the people on site were from B.C. Forest Service.

This was the Okanagan's second grass fire Thursday. A small fire in Lumby was believed to be caused by a cigarette.