Less than two weeks after taking down a grass fire south of Windermere, Fairmont firefighters responded to another on Wednesday.
“A private property owner was burning a slash pile and it got away on them and into the dry grass,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Jon Tames.
“We were fortunate today with the prevailing winds that the fire burned up to the highway, which created a natural barrier and gave us time to get it contained and fully extinguished. This is another example where we had a good result from what could have been a much more serious situation.”
Regional District of East Kootenay officials said five firefighters responded with two pieces of apparatus.
This is the second grass fire in less than 10 days.
“This is yet another example of why it is important to ensure you have proper equipment, conditions and tools ready and with you before burning. A rake, as was the case today, is not sufficient when burning. In addition to a shovel and other tools, you must have a water source,” said Tames.
“Another important piece of planning prior to doing outdoor burning is checking the weather conditions to ensure you are not burning during windy conditions, and then remain on site until the fire has been fully extinguished.”
RDEK officials said this time of year is known as the ‘spring dip,’ in which dead, dry fuels from last season pose a risk and the lush, moisture-rich new vegetation has not started to grow yet.
“Prevention and proper planning are key. Fires can get away suddenly and unpredictably, so it is absolutely critical that residents ensure they are fully prepared and that conditions are safe prior to lighting a fire,” said Tames.
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