By Vanessa Ybarra

Nearby boater helps extinguish Shuswap Road fire

Jul 30, 2017 | 10:37 AM

KAMLOOPS — A boater is being praised for helping Kamloops Fire Rescue extinguish a blaze.

Koyne Watson was boating on the Thompson River Saturday afternoon when he noticed a grass fire had broken out on East Shuswap Road near Sun Rivers.

A video sent into CFJC Today shows him using his jet boat to kick up water on the blaze in the Thompson River before fire crews arrived.

Platoon Captain David Ferguson says they always welcome public assistance as long as it’s done safely.

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“”If it’s small enough that they can safely put it out that’s obviously the best solution,” said Ferguson. “If it’s a fast-growing fire that’s moving quickly, make sure the Fire Department or the Ministry of Forests are notified right away. The quicker we can put these out and keep them small, the better it is for everybody.”

Ferguson says the man likely extinguished a few nearby bushes on fire, adding Kamloops Fire Rescue was able to put out the fire shortly after arriving on scene.

In the meantime KFR is reminding the public a campfire ban remains in place.

Those caught having a fire within city limits will face a fine of up to $500 per adult.