WEST KELOWNA — The cause of a grass fire that came dangerously close to burning heritage structures in West Kelowna has been ruled as accidental.
The fire started on a grassy hill above the Westside Regional waste water treatment plant Wednesday and quickly spread through the Gellatly Heritage Park where it scorched about two hectares before it was brought under control.
It’s the second time in four years the park has been threatened by fire.
“The park’s two historic wooden buildings and a site security residence on the property were saved by firefighters when the Glenrosa wildfire burned into the area in July 2009,” says Regional District spokesman, Bruce Smith.
Officials say the fire was caused by a spark from a metal saw that was being used to repair the fence surrounding the treatment plant.
“You know it could be no different with a weed eater working with a steel blade closer to the forest. And I think this is just a reminder to people to take caution when you’re working outside near forested areas that fire can occur quickly,” says West Kelowna fire chief, Wayne Schnitzler.
No buildings were damaged and nobody was injured by the fire.
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