Crews urge extreme caution after fire above Smith Creek

WEST KELOWNA — West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) crews are reminding people to use extreme caution in the parks this weekend after a fire was spotted on the hillside above Smith Creek Friday afternoon.

“Drier than normal conditions for this time of year means an early start to the fire season,” said assistant fire chief Brent Watson in a news release.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Drier than normal conditions for this time of year means an early start to the fire season," said assistant fire chief Brent Watson in a news release.

It was shortly after 3:30 p.m. that the fire was reported to WKFR.

Crews found the fire, locating a plume of smoke in the trees about 600 metres above Copper Ridge Place.

“The 25 by 20 foot fire was located in dense trees and exhibited rank one to two behaviour,” said Watson.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The 25 by 20 foot fire was located in dense trees and exhibited rank one to two behaviour," said Watson.

Due to the limited access and steep terrain, firefighters first had to hike up to the fire carrying hand tools and water cans to fight the flames.

Eventually a Wildland Unit was able to make its way over rough roads and tracks to provide water for the 13 firefighters.

The West Kelowna fire department says the cause of the blaze is under investigation; there was no lightning reported in the area at the time.