Image Credit: Wildfire Service File Photo

By Doug Collins

GRASSFIRE DOUSED BY WILDFIRE CREWS

Grass fire possibly caused by flares

Jun 2, 2019 | 10:03 AM

KAMLOOPS — While there were no problems with the fireworks at the end of the B.C. Lions FanFest last night, someone did cause some problems lighting off flares or fireworks at the east end of Kamloops.

B.C. wildfire crews attended a grass fire caused by some people in the area of East Shuswap Road across the river from the Petro Canada station in Dallas. Crews got the fire under control fairly quickly, but with the extreme conditions, not the smartest thing to do. The fire is currently listed as being “held” at 0.80 hectares, according to information on the Wildfire B.C. web site.

Tk’emlups Band Councillor Sonny Leonard has a ranch in the area. He says around 9:00 PM, he saw what looked like safety flares being launched from what he thinks was the South Thompson, about a mile from his place. He told CFJC Today that the flares drifted down and caught on some grass, starting a wildfire.

He says with the wind direction and the extreme conditions, the fire took off quickly. He warned emergency crews, who responded quickly and got the fire under control before it got out of hand.

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Leonard says it wouldn’t have taken much to create an extreme danger. He has a lot of hay on his ranch, and he says he was worried it would catch fire and really ramp up.

RCMP warned nearby residents about the fire, but it was held before causing major damage .

Leonard says after he saw the flares lit, and the fire started, he saw a boat on the river moving downstream at a high rate of speed. Whether those in the boat were responsible for the flares or not, Leonard isn’t sure.But police are investigating.