Image Credit: Contributed / Jason Brown

By James Peters

Two & Out

PETERS: Draw a direct line between this week’s near-catastrophic fire and provincial government inaction

Apr 21, 2023 | 11:00 AM

THE ANGRY RESPONSE TO A GRASS FIRE sparked by a campfire this week was completely understandable.

This was no joke. Within minutes of the fire erupting in the grasses below Strathcona Terrace, it was encroaching on people’s backyards.

If not for the quick, professional work done by Kamloops Fire Rescue, aided by the likely-terrified homeowners, the fire could have resulted in tragedy.

Fires like this may be the greatest public safety hazard created by people taking up temporary residence in public areas.

It’s dry enough right now, but imagine if this fire had broken out in July or August? The spread could have been catastrophic.

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Anger is absolutely understandable — and justified.

It’s so justified that it was surprising to hear one of the impacted homeowners react with understanding to the plights of the people whose campfire was the cause of this near-disaster.

Cameron Grant said he hoped they find a place to cook their meals that is less apt to start a fire.

That’s an unexpected example of empathy from someone who came far too close to losing his home. Good for him.

Perhaps Mr. Grant does indeed harbour some frustration, but unlike many, is aiming it in the right direction.

We spoke last week about a bylaw prohibiting drug use in public places as a means of getting the provincial government’s attention. It can’t be much more than that, really.

This fire should be another wakeup call for a government not acting with nearly enough urgency to solve this province’s housing crisis.

Campfires have led to countless landscape fires in Kamloops over the past few years.

We have had several in the sagebrush just below our headquarters here at CFJC — including one last year that nearly reached our building.

If the RCMP manage to identify and arrest the culprit, punishment must be left to the justice system.

Whatever happens there may generate more anger.

But for now, frustration should be directed toward the provincial government whose inaction nearly led to a horrendous disaster.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.