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BX fire suspicious

It’s believed a BX wildfire was started intentionally.
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It’s believed a BX wildfire was started intentionally.

Authorities say the cause of Tuesday’s blaze on Dixon Dam Road is suspicious.

“The RCMP are investigating along with ourselves and the B.C. Wildfire Service,” said Bill Wacey, BX-Swan Lake fire chief.

The possibility of a cigarette butt has been ruled out because of the rugged terrain where the fire started.

“Someone had to make an effort to get into that area,” said Wacey.

Reports of the fire first came in at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and a neighbour was the first to respond. He drove through a gate with his tractor, which contained a water tank.

“He knocked it down so we could get a handle on it,” said Wacey, adding that the fire was about 800 yards from the closest homes.

Besides the BX-Swan Lake Fire Department and the B.C. Wildfire Service, assistance also came from Vernon firefighters.

A fire watch was in place overnight to ensure the blaze didn’t flare up.

“There were a couple of little hot spots but nothing to speak of,” said Wacey.