Firefighters Contain Blaze Near Lower Similkameen Indian Band's Offices

Crews from the Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service responded to a fire threatening structures near the Lower Similkameen Indian Band's offices south of Cawston on Canada Day, July 1. The fire, which was approximately 0.6 hectares in size, was suspected to have been caused by human activity. Despite the initial concern, firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, with the BC Wildfire Service declaring the fire officially out by 9:30 a.m. on July 2.

Key Takeaways:

• The Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department was called out to the fire at approximately 9:45 p.m. on July 1, with nine firefighters travelling to the scene and another nine staging at the office in case reinforcements were needed.
• Seven firefighters and two engines were on scene for over two hours, while the water tender and two firefighters assisted with forestry for another hour and a half.
• A night-vision equipped helicopter was deployed by the BC Wildfire Service to monitor the area for hotspots.
• The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with human activity suspected to be the cause.
• This fire was not believed to be caused by a passing vehicle, unlike a previous fire in June south of Cawston.

Statistics:

• The fire was approximately 0.6 hectares in size.
• 18 firefighters responded to the scene, with 9 travelling to the fire and 9 staging at the office.
• 2 fire engines and a water tender were deployed to the scene.
• The fire was extinguished by the BC Wildfire Service by 9:30 a.m. on July 2.
• The fire was suspected to have been caused by human activity.

Sources:

• Keremeos Review