The Grand Forks Fire Rescue Service is urging residents to exercise caution when conducting any burning this spring, following a recent fire incident just outside of city limits.
Deputy Fire Chief Mike Daloise says a property east of Grand Forks was conducting a burn on Sunday when wind caused the blaze to get carried away.
“What happened yesterday was that the wind picked up unexpectedly, and the fire got away from them, even though they had tools, equipment, and water nearby, ready to use if the fire started getting out of control. But because of the wind, it ended up spreading much faster than they could manage.”
Luckily, a quick response successfully subdued the flames, but Daloise says residents need to be cautious.
While residential burning is permitted during the spring in accordance with the BC Wildfire Service, Daloise urges residents to ensure any burning is done safely.
“If the BC wildfire is allowing burns, then we permit that as well but there are certain conditions and rules they must follow to ensure it’s done safely and correctly. Be aware that if you’re burning, the fire can spread quickly, especially if it’s wind-driven. Make sure you have the proper tools, equipment, and enough people to help control it if you have a small fire.”
If you’re burning a larger fire, he says it should be done outside city limits, and reminds residents that they must contact the Ministry of Environment to ensure they have the required burn permits in place and understand the regulations and rules.
For more information on residential burning in the city, click here.
For information on the Ministry of Environment’s burning regulations, click here.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyGrandForksNowNews Alerts.
