Kelowna firefighters responded to a report of smoke off McCullogh Road at KLO Creek at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Upon arrival crews found a moderately vigorous surface fire burning on one-acre area of steep terrain.
Initial response included two bush trucks, two engines and a command vehicle. The Wildfire Management Branch out of Kamloops responded with two helicopters, a water bomber and several crews.
Within an hour there was another bush truck, a water tender and 25 personnel of paid on call and full-time members on scene.
With no wind at the time, the crews were able to put the main fire out with water lines and digging—the fire did not spread past the original one acre.
According to platoon captain Lawrence Serres, the fire was considered out with some hot spots by dusk.
“Due to the steepness of the terrain, it was too dangerous to work the area in the dark,” said Serres.
“A crew of four with a bush truck were left on the scene as fire watch. They reported 12 spot fires throughout the night. There will be a crew during the day for watch, and to put out any hot spots.”
The cause of the fire is unknown, but Serres said it was likely caused by humans as there was no lightning.
The forest fire danger rating is currently moderate and climbing with the dry weather. Caution is encouraged when out in forest trails or camping.
