Quick action from bystanders and the Castlegar Fire Department kept a wildfire fire to a minimum Tuesday, June 28.
The fire broke out at the base of a power pole at the corner of Highway 3 and 14th Avenue as Castlegar was experiencing a wind storm. The fire was in the vicinity of the Castleview Care Centre and in the same area that was evacuated during last year’s Merry Creek Fire.
The cause of the fire appears to be downed trees on a powerline causing a system surge.
CFD Chief Sam Lattanzio says he is thankful for the Good Samaritans that reported the fire and helped to contain it until fire crews arrived on scene.
CFD Command 2 with its wildfire skid unit was the first to arrive on scene and extinguished the fire. The bumper-mounted water turret on Rescue 1 was then used to wet down the area. Nine firefighters and four fire vehicles responded to the incident.
Lattanzio says it is important to note that the Good Samaritans made sure that there were no power lines down in the area before trying to put out the fire.
“Never approach downed lines and do not assume that downed lines are not energized,” warns Lattanzio. “Call 9-1-1 immediately.”
READ MORE: Teck Trail union workers to vote on tentative agreement starting Thursday
betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter