By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
A man has been issued a “hefty fine” after lighting a campfire that quickly got away from him, according to the RCMP.
On August 5 at 9:40 p.m., police and fire crews responded to a grass fire on West Avenue, Oliver that had spread from a campfire which had been started during the Provincial fire ban.
Camping equipment and identification were found at the scene identifying a 45 year-old man who had been staying in the area but appeared to have fled when the campfire got away from him.
The Oliver Fire Department (OFD) responded and quickly actioned the fire which the OFD said was exhibiting a rank 2/3 flame front and was quite active with windy conditions. “Crews were able to surround the perimeter and contain the blaze,” which it estimated was 1ha in size.
The man later returned to pick up his belongings at which time police issued him a violation ticket for starting a fire during the ban.
“This is another example of how fast fire can spread in this heat and why the fire ban is in effect”, said Sgt Jason Bayda, Area Commander, Osoyoos Detachment. “We thank and give credit to the Oliver Fire Department for their quick response, ensuring this fire did not spread further”.
