1 arrested in connection to wildfire that sparked on Kelowna’s Knox Mountain

UPDATE: 6:30 p.m.

Fire crews appear to have got the blaze on Knox Mountain under control, with some help from Mother Nature.

Despite strong wind gusts earlier in the day, rain started to fall in Kelowna just before 5 p.m., helping to douse the flames that were reportedly intentionally set by an individual on Friday.

Smoke and flame began to dissipate by 5:30 p.m., however, fire crews remain on scene watching for hot spots.

One person remains in custody in connection with the fire that sparked on Knox Mountain on Friday afternoon.

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UPDATE: 4:45 p.m

RCMP are confirming that one person has been arrested and remains in custody in connection with the fire that sparked on Knox Mountain on Friday afternoon.

According to Cpl. Allison Konsmo, the investigation is ongoing, and no further information can be released at this time.

Police ask the public to continue staying out of the area around Knox Mountain while crews battle the fire.

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UPDATE: 4 p.m.

Kelowna RCMP are asking the public to stay away from Knox Mountain as roads have been blocked off around the access points due to a wildfire that has sparked this afternoon.

The Kelowna Fire Department is on scene and police are currently assisting hikers off the mountain.

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A small wildfire sparked on Knox Mountain on Friday afternoon.

Wind is gusting from 40 km/h to 70 km/hr in the area causing the blaze to quickly spread up hill towards the hairpin on Knox.

Multiple fire crews and RCMP are on scene.

It’s unclear how the fire started.

More to come.