Fire Fighting personnel in the Windermere area are reminding people to ensure they are burning safely after the Windermere Fire Department responded to a grass fire just south of town on April 2, 2024.
“A private property owner was burning grass and it got away on them,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Drew Sinclair. “When we arrived on scene, the fire had moved into a stacked wood pile and our firefighters did a good job of containing it quickly and preventing what could have been a much more serious situation.”
Sinclair reminds everyone about the importance of making sure during conditions are safe and that you are prepared for the fire getting away by have a water source, shovel or tools handy. Do not burn when it’s windy and monitor the fire until it is completely out.
He added that this time of year is known as the ‘spring dip’ where dead, dry fuels from last season pose a risk, and new vegetation with more moisture has not yet sprouted.
“Never underestimate spring burning conditions. Fires like these are preventable and it is critical that residents ensure they are fully prepared and that conditions are safe if they are planning any outdoor burning,” said Sinclair.
The BC Wildfire Services website has more information on open burning with tips and downloadable pamphlets to help residents be prepared before they burn on www.bcwildfire.ca.