Times-Chronicle Staff
Oliver firefighters pounced on two grass fires today.
The first one occurred on NK’Mip Road near Area 27 before noon, while the second occurred on Old River Road off Sawmill Road at 1:30 p.m.
Fire Chief Bob Graham said the NK’Mip Road fire was human caused, either by someone burning debris or from a cigarette. Nobody was at the scene when fire crews arrived to extinguish the small blaze.
In the second fire, it was reported that a burn pile “got away” from the property owner and had ignited some trees, heading towards Okanagan River. Crews were still on scene as of 1:45 p.m.
Fire department spokesman Rob Graham said the pile spread to some leaves and tall grasses into the base of some trees.
“We were able to knock it down pretty quickly,” he said, estimating the size to be 150 by 100 feet.
Fire officials caution people to be very careful when burning debris outdoors. Beginning April 15, all outdoor burning is prohibited in the region.
(Photo by Lyonel Doherty)
