Top Stories – July 22 – Undetermined Cause

The cause of the RV fire and subsequent wildfire off Old Ferry Wharf Rd in Westbank on Tuesday was not determined. West Kelowna Fire Rescue investigators were able to pinpoint the area of origin within the RV but were challenged with the level of destruction due to several propane tanks which caused extensive burning in that area. The fire is not deemed suspicious and there were no injuries. WKFR reminds us to report any signs of fire or smoke to 9-1-1 immediately.

Taking recommended FireSmart actions could earn Central Okanagan electoral area property owners a rebate for their efforts. The FireSmart program is available for those in communities and neighbourhoods in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas. To get started, visit the program webpage: rdco.com/firesmart .

Beginning Sunday through to the end of August, Leckie Road east of Highway 97 will be closed from 7pm to 7am, and there will be lane closures on the Highway. The work is for capacity and safety improvements. Businesses can be accessed during the overnight closures from Baron Road and Banks Road.

Overnight closures continue on Gordon Drive between Lexington and Paret Road for Kelowna’s biggest paving project of the year. Paving crews are working from 7pm to 6am nightly until August 5, weather depending. Full road closures will happen every evening, specifically in the two lane sections from Old Meadows to Paret. Motorists should watch for signage, follow the detours, and take alternate routes such as Lakeshore.

At a time when hospitals are already backed up, more and more people, especially those between 20 & 40 are ending up in the E-R for not using e-scooters properly. Interior Health says the most common types of injuries are arm fractures and open wounds to the head and neck. More than 90 percent of those injured were not wearing a helmet.

A homebuyer protection period will help people in BC looking to buy a home from being pressured into high-risk sales. The mandatory three-day period will give homebuyers an opportunity to take important steps, such as securing financing or arranging home inspections, as they prepare to make one of their biggest financial decisions.

With rising temperatures, the risk of wildfire is increasing, and the Kelowna Fire Department is reminding everyone that campfires and outdoor wood burning appliances, including wood-fueled fire pits, are not permitted within city limits or private property. Campfires and briquette barbecues are not allowed in City or Regional District parks but propane barbecues are allowed on beaches within Kelowna. Smoking and vaping is banned from all City and regional parks and beaches.

It was planned work on the electrical system that caused a big outage in Kelowna yesterday morning. Fortis says a momentary trip caused lights and air conditioners to go off for about 30-thousand customers. It was restored in about 35 minutes according to the company.

Three people were taken to hospital, one in critical condition, following a collision in Summerland around 3 yesterday afternoon. RCMP say a moped was hit as it was trying to turn in front of an SUV on Highway 97. Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact the BC Highway Patrol Keremeos detachment.

Sports

At BC Place last night, the BC Lions improved to 4 & 1 with a 17-12 win against Hamilton, who drop to 1 & 5. In Ottawa, the Redblacks remain without a win this season as they lost 40-33 to Montreal. On paper, tonight’s game looks like a walk as the undefeated Blue Bombers are in Edmonton to play the 2 & 4 Elks.

The Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray agreed on an extension that keeps the quarterback under contract through 2028. The new five-year deal is worth 230.5 million dollars and includes 160 million guaranteed.

The Toronto Blue Jays return to action today following their All Star break. The Jays are at Fenway Park for a weekend set of games against the Red Sox starting at 4 this afternoon.

The Formula One teams have moved to France for a race this weekend. It’s a milestone for one driver, as 7 time champion Lewis Hamilton will be starting in his 300th race on Sunday. Qualifying goes tomorrow.

He’s best known for doing play by play for the Canucks and Hockey Night in Canada, and now Jim Hughson is being honoured by the league where he got his start in the 70’s. Back then he called games for the Kelowna Buckaroos and Penticton Vees, and now the BC Hockey League has changed the name of it’s Broadcaster of the Year Award, to the Jim Hughson Award.

Due to the COVID outbreak on the team, Saskatchewan’s CFL game with Toronto that was supposed to be played tomorrow has been postponed. The league says they will try to play it Sunday instead. It’s a big game in Regina as part of Family Day at Mosaic Stadium.