Shavings Pile Fire At Coldstream Ranch

Coldstream firefighters had quite a time battling a fire in a shavings pile at Coldstream Ranch last evening.

Fire chief Dave Sturgeon says crews were called about 5:45 and found the pile was full in flame.

” It was basically the whole pile or at least a good 80 per cent of the pile was fully involved. With those winds, we had spotting quite some distance away and we had one structure in that path.”

They were challenged by strong wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres an hour.

” The decision was made to call for forestry mutual aid. They were able to provide the heli and the bucket and that just gave us a chance to knock it down quick. ”

That enabled his crews to get closer to maintain control.

Water tenders were also brought in from Lavington, Lumby and BX-Swan Lake Fire.

Firefighters stayed until about midnight, leaving ranch workers a hose and water ponds to use as needed.

Firefighters were also called to deal with the shavings pile May 15th, although the fire wasn’t as big.

” They had been tearing the pile apart. Now they do have sprinklers on it as well so I think today we’re going to converse with them and figure out what the ultimate plan is to get it out for once and for all. I’m sure it will be smouldering for some days to come.”

The cause of the fire is spontaneous combustion