Emergency personnel rushed to the scene of a hedge and landscaping fire on Auburn Road in West Kelowna Wednesday afternoon.
West Kelowna Fire crews responded to an initial report of flames and smoke visible at a residence on Auburn. Crews from Lakeview Heights and Westbank arrived to find a hedge and landscaping on fire, with damage impinging on a mobile home on the 2600 block of Auburn.
“All occupants made it out of the structure safely and the homeowner was able to suppress some of the fire with a garden hose prior to our arrival,” says Fire Chief Jason Brolund.
“Crews extinguished and overhauled the area to ensure the fire was out.”
The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental, relating to cooking outside of the residence.
There were no injuries and the residents will not be 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. Fires will start easier and spread faster,” warns Brolund.
“Some advance preparation around your home following the FireSmart Guidelines can offer additional protection, keep fires away or keep them small. Efforts you take today can make it easier for firefighters to protect your home during a fire.”
This is the third major event West Kelowna fire crews attended today. Brolund says their investigation into the deck fire on Pettman Drive is ongoing and they continue to support the RCMP and Worksafe BC into the gasoline explosion on Dominion Rd.