A fire was reported overnight on the Penticton Indian Band.
Image Credit: Facebook/Lou Raion
Republished June 19, 2019 - 8:11 AM
Original Publication Date June 19, 2019 - 5:57 AM
PENTICTON - For the third straight night, fire has broken out on or near the Penticton Indian Band.
Penticton Fire Department deputy fire chief Chris Forster says a B.C. Wildfire initial attack crew were returning to base in Kelowna early this morning and were first to spot the blaze on band lands near Lilac Lane.
City and band firefighters were deployed around 2:08 a.m. today, June 19, and were able to bring the fire, which spread to 9 hectares, under control around 6 a.m.
Forster says the fire departments are in mop up stage at this point.
The people living in six homes were evacuated to a reception centre at the band office. Those residents have since returned home, but remain on alert.
Forster says it was fortunate winds were relatively light until a couple of hours ago. He also credits the "phenomenal" work done by the band to FireSmart the area, cutting low branches from trees and clearing the forest floor of fuels. He said the efforts prevented the flames from getting into the tree canopy.
No injuries were reported. The fire is deemed suspicious and is under investigation.
The cause of the previous fires in the area are also under investigation.
— This story was updated at 8:07 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2019 to add more information.
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