OSOYOOS TIMES-August 4, 2010
Although investigators are still trying to determine the cause of a wildfire that destroyed more than 40 hectares of land west of Osoyoos, many people believe they already know what sparked the blaze.
A cigarette tossed from a vehicle travelling along Hwy. 3.
Whether this was the case or not, the fire serves as a reminder of how dangerous conditions are right now in our area when it comes to potential fire outbreaks.
With 65 per cent of the 174 fires that have burned in the Kamloops Fire Centre – which includes Osoyoos – attributed to human causes, everyone should be cautious and vigilant to prevent more wildfires from igniting.
It’s mindboggling to drive down our local highways at this time of year and still see people flicking cigarettes out of vehicles into roadside vegetation that is as dry as a bone.
It’s also infuriating to hear of people that are defying a region-wide campfire ban that went into effect last week.
Even if you haven’t read a newspaper, watched television, listened to the radio or seen a roadside sign advising of the ban, just looking around at the tinder-dry forests and brush surrounding us should tip everyone off that now is the time to be careful when it comes to fire.
Fortunately, this weekend’s Spotted Lake fire did not hurt or kill anyone and no homes were damaged or destroyed.
But a valuable and unique natural area was devastated with numerous plants and animals killed as a result of the blaze.
There’s not much we can do about lightning, but we can all put our cigarettes out in the ashtray and do all we can to prevent wildfires.
