Campfires prompt fire calls with dry, warm long weekend ahead

Sep 3, 2020 | 1:15 PM

With summer winding down, but the temperatures still warm, residents are being encouraged to stay alert and use fire safely over the Labour Day weekend.

On Wednesday night (Sept. 2), Vernon Fire Rescue had to douse what was believed to be an abandoned campfire on an undeveloped private property in the Turtle Mountain area around 8:20 p.m.

The report first came as a potential wildland fire.

“BC Wildfire Service also received calls and had members dispatched, however, they were called off when it was determined the fire was within the jurisdiction of VFRS and the City of Vernon,” said Christy Poirier, city communications manager.

Firefighters needed assistance from area residents to locate the fire.

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“They used water backpacks and forestry hand tools to extinguish the fire, which had grown to approximately 15 feet x 15 feet. No structures were involved in the incident, which served as a reminder for everyone to fully extinguish a campfire before leaving the area,” Poirier added.

No structures were involved in the fire.

This morning, the BX Swan Lake Fire department was dealing with a report of smoke in its area.

Members of the volunteer department were able to track it down to a homeowner having a campfire on Briggs Road which the resident put out.

In Vernon, the fire danger rating is currently listed as high. Category two and three burning is not permitted at this time, however, campfires are allowed within city limits under the provisions of the Good Neighbour Bylaw.

“We know many people will probably choose to spend time around a campfire this weekend with family or friends who are in their small social bubble,” Deputy Chief Scott Hemstad said. “We encourage people to enjoy this last bit of the summer season, but to do it with safety top of mind.”

People are asked to keep the following ponts in mind if they choose to have a small campfire:

Only burn dry, seasoned wood
Never leave a fire unattended
Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions
Be mindful of smoke’s impact on neighbours; don’t allow dense smoke or noxious odours
Keep water or a hand tool nearby at all times when the campfire is lit
Ensure the fire is fully doused before walking away at the end of your time outside
Ensure ashes are cool to the touch before retiring for the night or leaving the area for any length of time

To report a wildfire, call the BC Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. To report a local fire, call 911.

by Pete McIntyre

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