A brush fire in Keremeos combined with warming temperatures is reminding residents of the importance of protecting homes by keeping FireSmart. 

The blaze broke out near the Ashnola subdivision at around 8:30 p.m., June 10, and firefighters were on scene for more than three hours. 

By the time the fire was brought under control, it had grown to over a hectare in size. 

The area was fairly flat, and mostly brush and grass, although a few trees and power poles were present, according to Keremeos Fire Chief Jordy Bosscha. 

"The fire did surround a couple of poles, but crews were able to keep them from burning," said Bosscha. 

Four trucks and fourteen firefighters responded to the scene, with another four staging at the fire hall in case more reinforcements were needed. 

BC Emergency Health Services also responded to assist the firefighters. 

There were a number of homes in the area, however none were damaged by the fire. 

Recent spring rains have brought some relief to the region, but it has also supported grass and brush growth that is now drying out in the heat.

"It just adds more fuel to the potential fire," said Bosscha. "Going forward, there's going to be more and more of a push to be FireSmart."

Being FireSmart calls for clearing all combustible materials from a 1.5-metre zone around your home as a starting point. 

After that, make sure any trees are trimmed and the lawn is kept short over the summer.

More information on how to make your property FireSmart can be found online at FireSmartBC.ca.