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UPDATE: Vernon fire sparked by lawnmower blade

The blaze was contained by the farmer until firefighters arrived
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A new fire sparked Aug. 14 west of Swan Lake (BC Wildfire Service)

A wildfire reported in the hills above Swan Lake Sunday was sparked by a rock and a blade.

A property owner was cutting thistles down with a large farm tractor mower when the fire started.

“A rock hit the blade and sparked and started a grass fire in the field she was mowing in,” BX Swan Lake fire chief Bill Wacey said.

Firefighters were called to the property above Old Kamloops Road around 1:30 p.m. Aug. 14.

“She did a good job and built a guard with the tractor.”

Crews managed to douse the 100 square-foot blaze. BC Wildfire Service also responded but was not needed.

While it may seem unusual, these types of fires aren’t that uncommon.

“It happens usually a couple times a year,” said Wacey.

READ MORE: Vernon tractor trailer unit catches fire

READ MORE: B.C. light show ignited 140 new wildfires


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Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

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