Advertisement

‘It could have gotten out of control’: Penticton fire quickly quashed

Click to play video: 'West Bench Grass Land Fire'
West Bench Grass Land Fire
A small grass land fire on the Penticton Indian band has residents of the city's West Bench neighbourhood on edge – Jun 16, 2019

Residents from the Penticton Indian Band and Penticton’s West Bench neighbourhood were roused in the middle of the night by a grass fire in the area.

“We came outside, saw the flames, and realized it was fairly close,” said area resident Margaret Holm.

“It was quite scary.”

Fire crews and members of the Penticton Indian Band arrived shortly after midnight Sunday and had the blaze under control by 1:30 a.m.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

When the fire was at its most intense, flames could be seen from kilometres away and heavy smoke wafted through the valley below.

Story continues below advertisement

Holmes said her initial concern for her home and surrounding areas was eased by a cool breeze that blew the fire away from her subdivision.

“After about half an hour or two it was clear that the fire department had it under control,” she added.

Sponsored content

AdChoices