Considering the destruction and devastation that is taking place north of us in Fort McMurray, and Fort St. John, it is appalling that people still do not get the message about fires.
BX-Swan Lake crews responded to an abandoned campfire Friday which was spreading at BX Falls.
First off, there’s the question of why someone would even be lighting a fire in a park to begin with. BX Falls is a hiking route, not a campground.
Secondly, if you are going light a fire, or enjoy it, you are responsible for it. That means before you leave, you make sure that fire is out. No excuses.
Imagine if that fire had not been called in as early as it was, and if crews didn’t get to it in time. With the forest fuel all around, that one campfire could have easily sparked a similar situation to that of our northern neighbours.
“The BX Creek corridor is an extreme risk area for the North Okanagan,” said Bill Wacey, BX-Swan Lake Fire Chief, who is currently battling fires up north and shouldn’t have to worry about extinguishing the mistakes of others.
It’s scary to think what the consequences could have been for so many of us, all from one bad decision of someone who wasn’t using their brain.
It’s only May, but with the lack of spring showers, it’s dry out there. The fire danger rating across most of the province is already moderate to high. Therefore it wouldn’t take much for a wildfire to spread.
“Use common sense,” said Wacey.