Fire that burned Osoyoos, B.C., home sparked while owner was mowing lawn, RCMP say

Firefighters are working to douse a brush fire in Osoyoos, B.C., that was possibly sparked by a homeowner mowing their lawn.

A fire that burned a home in Osoyoos, B.C., on Thursday appears to have sparked while the owner was using a lawnmower, according to the RCMP.

Authorities said the flames erupted before 3 p.m. at a property at the north end of Osoyoos Lake.

“Early indication is the fire started in grass while a homeowner was mowing their lawn,” said Sgt. Jason Bayda of the Osoyoos RCMP, in an email.

“Unfortunately, the fire spread to a couple vehicles and one residence on the property.”

According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the fire burned approximately 2.4 hectares before crews were able to get it under control.

The RCMP credited firefighters for managing to prevent the flames from spreading to any neighbouring properties, and said no evacuations were required.

“Although the affected homeowner lost some property, including his home, thankfully all residents of the affected home are safe,” Bayda said.