Crews battle stubborn West Kelowna fire
CBC News
Posted: Jul 31, 2012 9:39 AM PT
Last Updated: Jul 31, 2012 12:10 PM PT
Crews spray water on a stubborn fire in Wilsons Landing in West Kelowna. B.C.'s Wildifire Management Branch said as of late Monday night the fire was 75 per cent contained. (CBC)
A crew of about 80 fire fighters are working to contain a 26-hectare fire that has moved towards people's homes in West Kelowna, though officials say the immediately threat has eased and the fire has been largely contained.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan placed approximately 50 homes on evacuation alert early Monday morning, after flames jumped a fireguard and the blaze spread from 3.3 to 26.6 hectares overnight due to strong downhill winds.
Those houses remain on evacuation alert.
Westside Road has been reopened to single lane alternating traffic. It was closed Monday while the B.C. Fire Service did a controlled burn to create another fire barrier.
Fire crews laid down a path of red fire retardant towards Westside Road in order to surround the wildfire's perimeter. (CBC)The fire was started by a lightning strike Friday night, and fire officials thought it was completely contained until late Sunday.
Fire information officer Kayla Pepper said as of late Monday night, the fire was 75 per cent contained.
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