Fireworks spark hedge fire at Kelowna’s Moraine Park – Kelowna News

Photo: Contributed

UPDATE: 7:15 a.m.

The Kelowna Fire Department says the use of fireworks is strictly prohibited in the city following a hedge fire Tuesday night.

Platoon Capt. John Kelly says the regional dispatch centre received multiple 911 calls about 10 p.m., reporting a large cedar hedge on fire next to Moraine Park.

Crews arrived to find a 50-foot hedge and 40-foot tall pine tree on fire, along with two small boats.

“Quick action by the crews prevented the fire from spreading to any structures associated with the property,” says Kelly.

“Ash and embers traveled throughout the neighbourhood. Witnesses at the scene reported several youths were discharging fireworks in the park at the time of the fire. This is considered the cause.”

KFD responded with three engines and a command unit. RCMP also attended the scene.

ORIGINAL: 6:10 a.m.

Fireworks are believed to have ignited a fire in Kelowna’s Moraine Park overnight.

Neighbours report hearing fireworks being set off in the Rutland park Tuesday night, and shortly afterwards a hedge and tree went up in flames.

Residents say it was the third incident of fireworks being set off in the park this month.

Kelowna Fire Department has yet to issue any statement on the incident, but residents say fire crews knocked down the flames, and it’s not believed the fire spread to any structures.

Neighbours say youths were seen running away from the area about 10 p.m.

“A box of multiple shot fireworks was found in the park,” says one resident.

“We heard several loud bangs and looked outside to see glowing orange smoke. As I was calling 911, we watched the flames grow larger than the houses behind the fire,” says another resident.

“Heard 13 fireworks go off, close proximity, very loud, went outside two minutes later and saw flames coming from the park,” another area resident says.