RCMP investigating 2 fires in as many days in West Kelowna park

Authorities in West Kelowna are investigating two fires in Glen Canyon Regional Park that started in steep terrain on consecutive days this week.

The West Kelowna Fire Department responded to the first fire early Wednesday evening.

Fire crews hiked into a steep and rugged section of the canyon to contain the fire and extinguish it before it spread.

On Thursday afternoon, crews responded to a second fire in the area after someone reported seeing a column of grey smoke.

It too was contained and extinguished after it grew to a size of about 15 metres by 30 metres, according to the fire department.

"The fires were about 30 metres apart," said Fire Chief Jason Brolund.

"One was a little further up the canyon than the other."

The RCMP and the fire department are investigating the cause of each fire, said Brolund, who added both fires are being considered suspicious in nature.

"It's very concerning that we would be back to the same area a second day in a row," he said.

Glen Canyon Regional Park has been closed for much of the summer because of the extreme fire danger rating in the area

"The access is very difficult, the terrain is very steep," Brolund said.

"There is a creek at the bottom which worked to our advantage but access in and out is very difficult."

Brolund said it's too early in the investigation to say if the fires were deliberately set or not

Anyone with information is asked to call the RCMP.