Elkford firefighters jumped into action early Wednesday morning to take down a large unattended slash fire just north of the community.
Seven firefighters were dispatched shortly after 5 a.m. to the location 3.5 kilometres north of Elkford along the Elk River Forestry Service Road.
When crews arrived, they discovered a fire burning across an area about 120 feet long by 40 feet wide.
Fire department officials say the team needed three hours to take down the flames and hot spots.
Crews then placed forestry sprinklers around the fire until heavy equipment arrived at around 10 a.m. to help fully extinguish the fire.
“The equipment allowed crews to dig up the ground to reach smouldering hot spots within the root system of the pile,” said Elkford Fire Department officials.
“Crews remained on site to monitor the situation and ensure any hotspots were extinguished, and the fire has now been declared extinguished.”
Elk Valley RCMP attended the scene and police officials say the fire was initially reported to 9-1-1 by an unknown person.
“There was no one in the area to monitor the burn and further checks with BC Wildfire Service indicated that there was no authorized fire nor had one been registered through their office,” said Elk Valley RCMP officials.
“The fire rating in the area was high and there is still a large concern of forest fires regionally.”
Police officials say this particular area is well known for slash piles and illegal dumping.
Any information, tips or reports of suspicious activity in the area can be reported to the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 or you can remain anonymous and submit tips to Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.
“Under the Wildfire Act of BC, a violation ticket could be served for non-compliance in the amount starting at $1,150,” said Elk Valley RCMP.
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