Burn pile quickly spreads to nearby field in Lake Country

UPDATE: 5: p.m.

A burn pile in Lake Country along Carrs Landing Road blew out of control on Wednesday afternoon and quickly grew to a grass fire over one acre in size.

Lake Country Deputy Fire Chief Brent Penner says the growth of the fire was due to strong winds and dry grass in the area

"It was a fairly small fire and they were just getting it going walking around the property, but as they came back, they noticed it in the grass. They had a water hose and shovels and attempted to put it out, but the wind took it."

"The area where the fire was... the snow has just left so the grass is kind of dry and tumble weedy and crunchy. It got into the vegetation that is dry and pushed it to the north. It was a fairly long and narrow strip," Penner said.

Penner says the resident called the fire department right away.

"They gave us an early call and we were able to get a handle on it," he said.

The Lake Country Fire Department responded with two engines, a water tender, a bush truck and a command vehicle.

"We also had a little forestry crew that came up from Vernon and we always appreciate when they come to lend a hand and so we give our thanks to them."

ORIGINAL: 2:10 p.m.

The warm February temperature and strong winds may have been a factor in a burn pile growing out of control Wednesday afternoon.

Rachel Lamb tells Castanet the fire started around 1 p.m. on Carrs Landing Road.

Lamb says the fire grew quickly into a neighbouring orchard.

"[It] quickly spread up the hill as the wind picked up. I pulled up to my parents and ran inside to make sure they knew it was happening and they didn't. It was coming into our yard."she said.

Lamb tells Castanet the fire now looks to be under control as the Lake Country Fire Department is on the scene with hoses.

"The fire department was all up in the forest," Lam added.

Castanet has reached out to the fire department for comment.