Members of the South Country Fire Departments responded to and have contained a lightning-caused wildfire in the Jaffray area this afternoon (July 4). 

“The fire is under a hectare in size and our team has done an excellent job of getting in contained quickly,” said Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Service Chief, Michael Hockley. “We anticipate to have it fully extinguished this evening and will remain on site until the hot spots have been fully saturated.” 

Thirteen firefighters and five pieces of apparatus responded from the Jaffray, Elko and Baynes Lake Departments and were supported by an Initial Attack crew from the BC Wildfire Service for part of the afternoon. 

No structures were threatened by the fire, which was confined to a forested area. 

“With the severe thunderstorm warnings we’ve had over the past few days, there was isolated heavy rainfall, strong winds and lightning across various parts of the region.  This is an example of how a day or two after one of those big storms, small hold-over fires can get more fully established,” added Hockley.  

“This week as conditions get into the mid-thirties and the relative humidity drops, the potential for fires to start will continue to increase.  If anyone sees a wildfire or smoke, we encourage them to report it immediately. Today is a great example of how early reporting can make a tremendous difference in being able to get a fire extinguished quickly.” 

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. The BC Wildfire Service also has an app with a built-in reporting tool.  For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories in the East Kootenay, which is part of the Southeast Fire Centre, visit: bcwildfire.ca. 

Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Service photos 

RDEK

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