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Chemical run-off closes Kelowna beaches

Several popular beaches in Kelowna, B.C., area remain closed to swimmers as authorities deal with run-off from a weekend industrial fire.

Restrictions may be re-evaluated late Tuesday afternoon, but in the meantime, several Okanagan Lake beaches are off limits, including one in downtown Kelowna's City Park.

Closures were slapped on the beaches following a warehouse blaze Saturday night that destroyed seven businesses and caused damage estimated at $5-million.

Chemicals from a turf business in the warehouse were flushed into Mill Creek and Okanagan Lake as firefighters deluged the warehouse trying to control the flames.

There was concern that nitrates and pesticides had contaminated the creek and beaches but officials believed levels of the chemicals had dropped by Monday.

However, they say the closed beaches are still not considered safe and will remain taped off until further notice.

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