Elkford Fire and Emergency Services are looking into a bush fire that may have been human-caused.
District officials said firefighters initially responded to the incident around 5 p.m. on Sunday with a brush unit and an engine, with a water tender on standby.
“Upon arrival, crew members found three separate fires burning in different locations around a trail,” said Elkford officials. “The fires were initially reported as a possible lightning strike; but upon further investigation, these fires appear to be human-caused.”
The district said crews acted fast, as wildfires can spread quickly, especially in the hot and dry conditions the region is currently experiencing.
“We are extremely thankful that Sunday’s fires were reported swiftly by quick-acting observers and actioned immediately by our fire department,” said Elkford officials.
District staff is urging the public to do all they can to prevent wildfires by reporting any smoke columns and illegal burning and carefully disposing of cigarette butts.
A Category 1, 2 and 3 fire ban is still in effect, which includes any campfires. Breaking this fire prohibition could net you some hefty penalties.
“Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail,” said BC Wildfire Service officials. “If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.”
