The wildfire on Kelowna’s Knox Mountain that sparked on Canada Day remains under control.
The fire is suspected to be human caused and the Kelowna RCMP have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
The blaze is considered to be under control and is not likely to spread, as a result of the Kelowna Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service joint suppression efforts.
“BC Wildfire Service and Kelowna Fire Department ground personnel have secured the fire’s perimeter by implementing a fuel-free guard and water delivery system and will be continuing to patrol for remaining hot spots within the fire area,” said the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.
READ MORE: Evacuation Order now downgraded to Alert on Kelowna’s Knox Mountain
Smoke was first spotted at the top of the popular hiking and biking spot shortly before 2p.m. on July 1. After four and a half hours, the blaze had grown to 6.5 hectares.
The BC Wildfire Service was called in to assist the Kelowna Fire Department in battling the blaze. Air support arrived on scene by 3 p.m.
Helicopters, air tankers and ground crews worked to douse the then out-of-control fire throughout the day and the wildfire was considered ‘held’ by 6p.m.
Ground crews remained on the mountain throughout the night on July 1, to prevent growth.
On July 2, the fire was considered to be ‘under control’ by the wildfire service.
Evacuation orders issued for residents in the neighbourhoods of Magic Estates, Poplar Point, Knox Mountain, Clifton and Wilden have now been downgraded to evacuation alerts.
A map showing the list of roads and properties under evacuation alert can be viewed at cordemergency.ca/map.
The City of Kelowna would like to remind people that Knox Mountain Park, including the path to Paul’s Tomb, remains closed until further notice. Residents are prohibited from entering the active fire zone and failure to comply may result in a fine of $500.
@Rangers_mom
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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