The wildfire on 琉璃神社鈥檚 Knox Mountain that sparked on Canada Day remains under control.

The fire is suspected to be human caused and the 琉璃神社 RCMP have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

The blaze is considered to be under control and is not likely to spread, as a result of the 琉璃神社 Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service joint suppression efforts.

鈥淏C Wildfire Service and 琉璃神社 Fire Department ground personnel have secured the fire鈥檚 perimeter by implementing a fuel-free guard and water delivery system and will be continuing to patrol for remaining hot spots within the fire area,鈥� said the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.

READ MORE: Evacuation Order now downgraded to Alert on 琉璃神社鈥檚 Knox Mountain

Smoke was first spotted at the top of the popular hiking and biking spot shortly before 2p.m. on July 1. After four and a half hours, the blaze had grown to 6.5 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service was called in to assist the 琉璃神社 Fire Department in battling the blaze. Air support arrived on scene by 3 p.m.

Helicopters, air tankers and ground crews worked to douse the then out-of-control fire throughout the day and the wildfire was considered 鈥榟eld鈥� by 6p.m.

Ground crews remained on the mountain throughout the night on July 1, to prevent growth.

On July 2, the fire was considered to be 鈥榰nder control鈥� by the wildfire service.

Evacuation orders issued for residents in the neighbourhoods of Magic Estates, Poplar Point, Knox Mountain, Clifton and Wilden have now been downgraded to evacuation alerts.

A map showing the list of roads and properties under evacuation alert can be viewed at

The City of 琉璃神社 would like to remind people that Knox Mountain Park, including the path to Paul鈥檚 Tomb, remains closed until further notice. Residents are prohibited from entering the active fire zone and failure to comply may result in a fine of $500.

Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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