Kite downs power line, starts fire in Westbank

A downed power line near Gellatly Road sparked a grass fire Sunday afternoon. (Dave Preston photo)

by Dave Preston

A wild wind storm Sunday brought down a power line in Westbank, knocking out power to many downtown businesses and causing a grass fire. A man lost control of a kite in the wind, which hit and severed the power line, according to RCMP.

The power line was downed on the corner of Carrington and Gellatly Roads, in a field behind the A&W restaurant.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue crews raced to the scene, where strong winds were whipping up the fire. Dense, grey smoke billowed across Gellatly Road.

Police closed off access to part of Gellatly Road as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Some traffic lights were not working in the one-way couplet area, while others continued to work. Most businesses along the couplet seemed to be without power. Caution tape was put up at the Superstore Gas Bar, indicating the power failure covered an extensive area.

BC Hydro reported on its website that the power outage is affecting nearly 2,400 customers. Power is expected to be restored by 9 p.m. Sunday.