FORT NELSON – Two more suspicious fires have been lit by unknown persons over the past weekend. At approximately 20:00 hours on Friday, May 13, 2016 a call was received by Northern Rockies Fire Rescue regarding a fire in the log pile along the Muskwa River near the Highway 97 bridge crossing.
“This fire appears to be deliberately ignited using a petroleum product” informed Fire Chief Gord McCleary. “As we worked to suppress the fire and prevent spreading, we could smell petroleum burning”.
At 06:00 hours on Monday, May 16, 2016 a fire was reported in the grassy area between 53rd Ave W and 52nd Ave W. This fire was approximately 200 feet in length on the hill behind the Springhill and Hillside Apartment buildings and adjacent to the hospital.
Mayor Bill Streeper has made the following request:
“I am asking everyone living in or visiting the NRRM - BE EXTRA VIGILANT AND OBSERVANT. We all have a part to play in helping to prevent fires.
• Parents and Teachers - Please talk to our children. Know where they are and what they are doing. It is important to teach them of the potential dangers of fires
• Smokers - Please do not throw smoking materials on the ground or out vehicle windows. There are alternative methods. Put sand in an empty pill bottle and carry it with you to fully extinguish your smoking material. When the lid is on, there is no odor
• Campers – Please ensure your fires are no larger than 18 inches wide by 18 inches high to reduce sparks and the chance of an uncontrolled fire. Ensure the fire is completely out by dousing it with water repeatedly until it is cool and fully extinguished.
On behalf of Regional Council, we thank you for your cooperation".
Both fires are under investigation by Northern Rockies RCMP and files have been opened on each incident. Inquiries and investigation is ongoing as RCMP follow up on some potential leads.
If you have any information on the above two fires or if you see any suspicious activities, please call the Northern Rockies RCMP at 774-2777. For reporting of smoke or fires, please call Northern Rockies Fire Rescue at 774-2222.