Brush fire damages three homes
On Saturday (July 11), a brush fire erupted on MacDonald Road in Lake Cowichan, starting in the backyard of a residence bordering the creek that runs along the west side of MacDonald Road.
The fire quickly spread to three homes, engulfing several vehicles and outbuildings, along with damaging the backs of the houses.
Sgt. Wes Olsen of the Lake Cowichan RCMP noted that the area included dense brush and trees and had the potential to result in a forest fire within town limits. This was avoided thanks to the quick response by local firefighters.
No injuries were reported.
Loggers urged to lend hand to photo conservation project
The Community Forest Co-operative recently announced that they will be matching all donations made towards a $110,000 addition to the Kaatza Station Museum, being made in order to preserve the over 1,000 negatives that comprise the world-famous Wilmer Gold photo collection.
The Forest Co-op is hoping that current and former loggers will step up and make a donation in order to ensure that the industry’s history can live on and be remembered through these photographs.
Lake Cowichan moves to stage three water restrictions
The Town of Lake Cowichan announced recently that stage three water restrictions are now in effect.
In order to stay up to date with water restrictions, visit the Gazette’s website (lakecowichangazette.com) or Facebook page, or the town’s website (town.lakecowichan.bc.ca), where a full list of restrictions and a watering schedule are also available.
Island-wide open fire ban extended
Category Two and Category Three open fires are now banned across Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, coastal BC and the Lower Mainland, with the ban now extending to all parts of Vancouver Island.
In addition to open fires, the ban also prohibits stubble and grass fires, the use of fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns and burning barrels, as well as the use of binary exploding targets.
Campfire, regardless of size, are no longer permitted.
The CVRD warns that violators may be issued a $345 ticket or a penalty of $10,000.
