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UPDATED: Glenrosa fire burns cars say police

Human caused fire is being investigated by the RCMP
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Site of the fire in West Kelowna Monday afternoon. —Image: Google maps

Update: 5:58 p.m.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue says the fire that burned four cars Monday in Glenrosa was human-caused and believed to be suspicious. The investigation has has been turned over to police.

Assistant fire chief Darren Lee said the blaze, which firefighters now believe started in the four vehicles that were burned, spread quickly because of the wind and threatened nearby trees after burning dry grass in the area. Police said earlier they believed the fire spread from the grass to the vehicles.

“The first arriving (fire) engine (crew) reported that the source of the fire was four burning vehicles,” said Lee. “The wind had spread the fire into the grass and brush on the rural acreage, threatening to involve nearby timber.

He added the best access for firefighters was off a steep driveway on Gates Road.

A total of 19 firefighters fought the flames and stopped them from spreading. Firefighters included personnel from West Kelowna and the Peachland Fire Department, as well as from the B.C. Wildfire Service. A helicopter and a three-member aerial attack crew were diverted from the Finlay Creek wildfire burning southwest of Peachland to assist but were not needed. The helicopter, however, flew over the scene to check for spot fires.

Lee said the heavy black smoke from the burning vehicles could be seen from a distance and there were numerous 911 calls regarding the fire.

Update: 4:31 p.m.

West Kelowna RCMP say a fire that broke out just after noon in Glenrosa started in dry grass and burned several cars.

The blaze was originally thought to have been a structure fire.

According to the RCMP, Monday afternoon at 12:30 p.m., officers were called by West Kelowna Fire Rescue to assist with several cars that were on fire in the Gates Road and Glenrosa Road area.

Police were asked to assist with traffic control so the firefighters could extinguish a blaze that had spread from dry grass to four vehicles.

A B.C. Wildfire crew consisting of five firefighters were also on site to help put out the flames.

The fire was extinguished but as of late Monday afternoon, investigators had not determined the exact cause of the blaze that engulfed the cars.

A fire inspector from West Kelowna Fire Rescue was at the scene Monday and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information about the fire, or if they saw anything suspicious in the area is urged to call the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-28800.

To remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by text your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

Update 1:40 p.m.

A fire on Glenrosa and Gates Road in West Kelowna appears to be under control.

Fire crews remain on the scene after being called to the area around 12:30 p.m.

Update: 1:13 p.m.

Police have now blocked off Gates Road as they deal with a fire in the area of Gates and Glenrosa.

Original:

Multiple fire engines have been called to the Glenrosa and Gates Road area in West Kelowna for reports of a structure fire.

The call went out at 12:24 p.m. this afternoon after what was described as multiple calls of smoke and open flame.

The Capital News has sent a photographer to the scene and will provide information as it becomes available.

If you see news, contact us at newstips@kelownacapnews.com

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