In the last weeks, the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department has responded to two wildfires.
The first was discovered on July 11. That one was near km 8.5 on the Wolverine Forest Service Road, near the Mast Creek Gas Plant.
“Tumbler Ridge Fire Department crews responded initially while BC Wildfire Service crews, equipment and air resources were mobilized,” says Fire Chief Dustin Currey. “Once they arrived, TR Fire Department members assisted our BC Wildfire Service counterparts in establishing guards and wet lines to confine the fire. Ultimately, a machine guard was put in place to hold the fire and it is now listed as out.”
Curry says he cannot provide comment to the cause of that fire. “It was left to the BC Wildfire Service to investigate.”
On Thursday, there were reports of smoke east of town, but that proved to be a blow up of the West Kiskatinaw Fire. While that fire is contained and no longer considered a fire of note, it is not out. While crews have established a perimeter around the fire, BC Wildfire Service points out there are still pockets of unburnt fuel available within that perimeter. “There have been a number of storms roll through with gusty winds, which will flare up existing areas.”
The second fire was discovered on Friday July 14 in the afternoon by a group of individuals enjoying the Flatbed Creek mini falls. “TR Fire Department crews responded to the area and assistance from BC Wildfire was requested,” says Curry. “Fortunately, BC Wildfire air resources were already near the area and were able to provide a more accurate location for our ground crews. We established a wet line around the fire, which was approximately a half hectare in size.”
That fire, says Curry, appears to have been started by lightning that came through as part of a storm on Thursday night.
“It is common to see ‘hold over’ fires occur as a result of lightning as there is not sufficient rain accompanying these thunderstorms,” says Curry. These fires can spark up days or even weeks after the initial storm. Indeed, the Bearhole Lake fire, which burned through that area last fall, is still not considered out by BC Wildfire, and given the right conditions, could spring up again.
Curry says the fire department has also visited the properties of several people who have started outdoor fires in the last week. “Even with the rain, residents are reminded that there is still an open burning ban in the municipality.”
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
