Solutions are being sought to douse an ongoing problem in Coldstream.
For the third time since April, firefighters were called out Tuesday night to tackle a fire in a large shavings pile at Coldstream Ranch.
“We will try to figure out a plan to deal with it,” said Dave Sturgeon, Coldstream fire chief, who will discuss the matter with the ranch.
The pile was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived Tuesday.
“They (ranch) had sprinklers on it and they have been trying to get to the hot spots,” said Sturgeon.
However, strong winds weren’t helping the situation.
“We had fire spotting some distance away and one structure was in the way,” said Sturgeon.
As a result, the B.C. Forest Service was called and an air tanker arrived to provide assistance.
It’s believed the fires are a result of spontaneous combustion.
“The only way possibly to get the fire out completely is to spread it out but I’m not sure how feasible that is. There could be weeks of labour involved,” said Sturgeon, adding that the call-outs are having an impact on the fire department’s resources.
Coldstream Ranch officials admit the shavings pile is challenging.
“We’ve been digging into the pile and trying to get the hot material. It’s like a need in a hay stack,” said Brad McKim, general manager.
“It’s frustrating because we dig through it and we don’t know where it (fire) will pop its head up. We’re doing as much as we can. A huge thank you to Coldstream and Lavington fire departments. They’re doing a great job.”