UPDATE (10:30 a.m.)

A brush fire that threatened multiple homes in the area of West Bench near Penticton was quickly contained on Thursday morning, July 25.

The Penticton Fire Department responded to the scene at around 9:15 a.m., near the intersection of West Bench Drive and Lambert Drive.

Mike Larsson, local fire chief, said a lawn mower and fast-moving winds sparked the blaze.

"Crews got on the scene just in time to stop the fire from entering the house, it was about five-feet short," Larsson said. "It was a great response from our crews.

BC Wildfire Service categorized the blaze as "under control" at 11 a.m., and said it was 0.5 hectares in size.

Penticton Indian Band fire crews also responded to the scene.

A helicopter was seen in the area shortly after the brush fire sparked.

ORIGINAL (9:30 a.m.)

A brush fire sparked in the area of West Bench near Penticton on Thursday morning, July 25.

The Penticton Fire Department is responding to the scene, as of 9:30 a.m., near the intersection of West Bench Drive and Lambert Drive.

A helicopter can also be seen in the area.

More to come.