The Coombs-Hilliers Fire Department quickly put out a brush fire in a wooded area on Redman Road in Whiskey Creek on Saturday morning (May 8).
The department received the call at 9:55 a.m. and upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a 40-foot by 50-foot ground fire slowly spreading in the surrounding brush. There were no structures threatened but there were nearby power lines and a power pole that were not damaged.
“Our first crews to arrive on scene quickly applied water and created a fire perimeter to contain the fire,” said Lieutenant Theresa Benoit. “Once water was applied we had the fire contained within 15 minutes.”
The crews, however, remained on scene for an estimated 90 minutes to overhaul and fully extinguish hot spots. The fire department deployed six apparatus and 14 firefighters on scene.
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The cause of the fire appeared to be a campfire left unattended that spread to the fine brush surrounding the area.
“Although we have had recent rainfall, the ground remains dry and the risk of wildfires still remains,” said Benoit, the department’s fire prevention and training officer.
“We urge the public to use extreme caution when burning and to follow any guidelines set by the BC Wildfire Service or their local municipality. Never leave campfires or burns unattended, they should be monitored at all times. When you are done with your campfire ensure it is extinguished and cool to the touch before leaving it.”
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Coombs Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department crews hose down a fire on Redman Road on Saturday morning, May 8. (Michael Briones photo)
Coombs Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department crew dig through the dirt to uncover any lingering embers from a fire on Redman Road on Saturday morning, May 8. (Michael Briones photo)
Coombs Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department crews put out a fire on Redman Road on Saturday morning, May 8. (Michael Briones photo)
A Coombs Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department crew sprays water on a fire on Redman Road on Saturday morning, May 8. (Michael Briones photo)
