Urgent Alert: Six Suspicious Fires Erupt in West Kelowna

UPDATE: West Kelowna is on high alert following a series of six suspicious grass fires that erupted within 24 hours. Authorities confirm that these incidents pose a significant threat to public safety as investigations unfold.

The first fire ignited on August 15, 2023, around late morning near city hall, quickly followed by five more blazes that flared up late Tuesday night and into the early hours of Wednesday. Fire Chief Jason Brolund raised alarms, stating, “It’s a tremendous risk to public safety.”

The fires have primarily been concentrated around the community core, especially in areas where grassy fields and treed zones intersect with residential neighborhoods. “We suspect that they are deliberate,” Brolund added, emphasizing that the frequency of these incidents is unlikely to be coincidental.

Locations affected include spots near the Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre, along Witt Road, and near the ReStore on Ross Road. Some flames came alarmingly close to homes while residents slept, raising fears of potential disasters. Brolund noted, “You change a few factors — a little bit more wind, for example — we may have seen some of these fires burning much closer or up against homes.”

Local resident Ron MacEachern, who lives on Angus Drive, expressed his concern: “It’s scary. As dry as it is now, the whole block could go up. It could be a major catastrophe.”

In response, Brolund assured the community that multiple agencies are collaborating on this investigation. “There are multiple agencies working on the investigation of these fires today, using various techniques to determine what happened and to monitor the area for further incidents,” he said.

The fire chief issued a stern warning to whoever may be responsible: “My message is to stop it. Our community does not need this. We are still in wildfire season.”

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and to report any signs of smoke or flames immediately by calling 9-1-1. MacEachern plans to heed this advice, stating, “Be more vigilant, watch the neighborhood.”

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely as the investigation progresses. Residents are advised to stay alert and report any suspicious activity in the area as the threat from these fires remains imminent.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it unfolds.