Easter Sunday got a little warmer for some homeowners on Higway 16 after a grass fire got out of control.
Thankfully no one was hurt and no structures were damaged in the blaze, which was called in to the fire department around 1:30 p.m. on April 24.
Traffic was limited to a single lane while fire crews dealt with the smoke and pockets of flame.
“The residents started a grass fire on their property and it quickly progressed beyond that to the creek and just beyond the other side going onto Regina Road and up to the highway,” explained Fire Chief Keith Stecko.
The fire encroached several properties.
“There’s no structures that were involved,” he said. “Luckily for the owner and for us we have an actual break here which was the creek and it stopped the fire on this side....”
The highway also provided a fire break.
While damage was minimal, Stecko is quick to point out it could have been more.
“This had very serious potential.”
He said there was no disruption to the power lines as a result of the fire.
The fire department responded with two engines and 17 firefighters.
The fire serves as a reminder to use care with lighting open fires, especially this time of year.
“I would caution the public, if you’re in the regional district within the fire protection area and you’re looking to burn you really need to check to make sure the conditions are proper before lighting up.”
The fire was caused outside of the municipal boundary in the regional district area, he said.
“We’re in a very, very, very dangerous time of season right now,” he continued. “Today is a perfect example of where it could have gotten much worse.”
Information on open burning can be found online at bcwildfire.ca.
There people can get a look for any possible fire restrictions and the standard restrictions on all fires.
A category 2 open fire, which this would have been, has certain restrictions, such as standard ones that burning is safe and will continue to be safe, while other conditions include the creation of a fuel break.
Any burning of any sort is prohibited within the municipal boundaries of Smithers.