South Country firefighters remain on scene of two hay barn fires which were battled in the early morning hours on Wednesday along Rosicky Road near Jaffray.
Crews remained on scene at the rural property throughout the day Wednesday after getting control of the fires, and are set to stay on-site Thursday as they continue to monitor any hot spots and ensure the blaze stays contained.
“We had two barns of hay fully engulfed in the fire. While we have been able to contain both fires, they remain active within the perimeter in the hay and are generating a lot of smoke which can be seen for quite some distance,” said Dave Boreen, Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire Chief. “We expect the fires could continue to generate smoke for quite some time.”
Firefighters were joined by the BC Wildfire Service Wednesday afternoon to reinforce the fireguard set up around the blaze, while also laying hose and installing sprinklers.
“It will likely take a few days to fully extinguish the piles and we will continue to stay on site to check pumps, monitor the fire and keep water on the area,” added Boreen.
With the fire continuing to emit smoke, visibility may be reduced along Highway 3 from the Wardner bridge to Jaffray, especially in the Rosicky Road.
Drivers are also advised that the smoke may lead to reduced visibility along Highway 3 between Jaffray and the Wardner bridge, particularly in the Rosicky Road area.
More: Firefighters Control Hay Barn Fires Near Jaffray (August 21, 2019)
