Not that it was needed, but there’s even more evidence that wildfires pose a significant risk in the province.
On Wednesday, a blaze broke out near Monte Lake, forcing numerous residents out of their homes and Highway 97 — the main link between Vernon and Kamloops — to be shut down.
The B.C. Wildfire Service isn’t saying much about the cause, but there has been some media speculation that it may be linked to a discarded cigarette butt. Now if that’s the case, it’s extremely unfortunate because unless you have been living in a cave, you should be well aware of how dry conditions are and the devastation wildfires have caused across the Interior. Simply tossing a cigarette butt out of a vehicle window or as you go for a walk is completely irresponsible.
On another front, the RCMP believe that the July 15 fire that engulfed eight Lake Country homes was intentionally set and is being investigated as a criminal arson. We would encourage anyone with information on this incident to call the police.
Grass fires have occurred throughout the North Okanagan and thankfully local firefighters have been able to douse them quickly before they spread.
That said, all of us need to remain vigilant. Campfires are banned and be careful with cigarette butts and any other sources of ignition, such as sparks from dirt bikes.
And if you see a fire, immediately call 911 because it’s only through a quick response that we can avoid an emergency here.