On the morning of October 16, Elk Valley Regional RCMP was notified by Elkford Fire Rescue of a fire at approximately the 103 km mark of Forest Service Road or Elk Valley Highway in the Round Prairie area north of Elkford.

The fire department had arrived on scene and found an active fire in a large slash pile approximately 120 feet in length. There was no one in the area to monitor the burn and further checks with BC Wildfire Service indicated that there was no authorized fire nor had one been registered through their office. Elkford Fire Rescue remained on scene with sprinklers to ensure all hot spots were put out prior to leaving the area.

Through investigation, it was found that an unknown person called 911 to report the fire. The fire rating in the area was high and there is still a large concern of forest fires regionally. The area in question is well known for slash piles and illegal dumping.

Elk Valley Regional RCMP and the Elkford Fire Rescue are seeking information from anyone with knowledge of this fire, so as the person(s) responsible can be located and the appropriate action taken if found in violation of the BC Wildfire Act. It is noteworthy that, at the base level, under the Wildfire Act of BC, a violation ticket could be served for non-compliance in the amount starting at $1,150.

If you have any information about this event, please contact the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 to speak with an officer, or contact BC Crime stoppers by phone or via the online webpage. Please refer to file 2024-3386.

e-KNOW file photo

Elk Valley Regional RCMP

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