Firefighters fuming over fires

It’s scary out there.

That’s the way assistant fire chief Rod Macfarlane describes the number of unattended campfires being found within City of Salmon Arm limits.

“This weekend alone, we have had people report evidence of two fires on Little Mountain Park trails,” he says. “With this weather, it’s a situation where we’re concerned. Access is an issue and depending on the time of day, we may not find it for a while.”

What scares Macfarlane even more is the close call in Canoe.

A woman who was walking a dog along a trail off Parkhill Road came upon a smouldering fire. Believing she had put the fire out, Anne Robertson called 911 and relayed that message.

But, when Macfarlane arrived about 5 p.m. July 13, the fire had again taken hold and progressed.

With Robertson’s help, he shovelled away all combustible material from around the fire, creating a fire guard. But there were many hot spots and actual flame as well, so Macfarlane called in firefighters from Hall #1 to completely extinguish the fire.

“It was hot and dirty work and the guys did a great job,” Macfarlane says.

And Robertson’s discovery probably saved the day, particularly as strong winds picked up a few hours later.

“The combination of high wind and combustible material in a heavily wooded area and it wouldn’t have been seen until it was almost out of control,” Macfarlane says. “It could easily have got into the homes at the bottom of the hill.”

Other fires were discovered in Peter Jannick Park and an old horse stall at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds.

Macfarlane says it’s discouraging that some people still don’t seem to be getting the message about dry conditions and the high risk of fires.

There is now a ban on all fires other than small campfires and continuing to burn during the ban could prove to be costly.

“We can fine under the bylaw, anywhere from $75 for failure to have a permit, to into the thousands for covering expenses of apparatus and firefighters,” he cautions.

Those who choose to have campfires within city limits must pay a $10 annual fee and follow the regulations.

And, says Macfarlane, members of the public are asked to keep their eyes open and phone 911 if they see fire or smoke in the hills.