Stray fireworks are believed to have sparked a blaze late Friday on Munson Mountain.
Crews from the Penticton Fire Department and B.C. Wildfire Management Branch were able to contain the resultant damage to about two hectares at the base of the hill.
The flames scorched the grass and bushes along the ridge behind the large white letters that spell out Penticton.
Capt. Tom Smith of the Penticton Fire Department said a report of fireworks preceded the call-out around 11 p.m.
“There are orchards all the way around, but (the fire) had the potential of getting into some houses,” Smith said.
“If they had winds or something it could have taken off.”
He said the Wildfire Management Branch assisted with trucks and personnel.
The wildfire danger rating in the Penticton area is currently pegged at high.
According to the branch’s website, the only active wildfire of note in the province as of Saturday morning was at Perry Ridge in the Slocan Valley.
The blaze was pegged at 60 hectares and had 65 firefighters and seven helicopters battling it. On Friday, a tanker truck carrying jet fuel for the helicopters overturned and spilled 35,000 litres into the Lemon Creek, according to local reports.
