Penticton Fire Department quickly knocked down a small fire in the brush near the Penticton Secondary School running track on Monday. (Mark Brett - Western News)

Penticton Fire Department quickly knocked down a small fire in the brush near the Penticton Secondary School running track on Monday. (Mark Brett - Western News)

Truck lifts power lines causing fire near Penticton school

Emergency responders dealt with two incidents at the same time near KVR Middle School

A dump truck that lifted its box into power pole lines near the KVR Middle School is believed to have started two small fires on Monday just before noon.

Smoke and flames could be seen from coming from nearby brush on the inside of the Penticton Secondary School fencing near the running track and across the street at the base of a power pole on the KVR property.

The truck, which was sitting in the parking lot of KVR Middle School, had its box up and the power lines were resting on top of it when emergency crews arrived.

Hydro crews from the city also arrived on scene shortly afterwards and eventually cut the lines while the driver remained inside the vehicle for precaution. He was eventually able to safely get out.

It is believed the power is out in some areas due to the incident and emergency responder closed Jermyn Avenue in both directions.

The Penticton Fire Department quickly knocked down the brush fires and about 90 minutes later the truck was untangled from the wires.

The severity of the power outages was unavailable.

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Penticton Western News