Denman Island Fire Rescue responded to a large, fast-moving brush fire on Swan Road Wednesday afternoon.
“At my request, Coastal Fire Centre immediately launched a helicopter with a three-man IA crew,” said DIFR Fire Chief, Don Luckett. “Fortunately, despite gusting winds off Lambert Channel, DIFR crews where able to quickly contain the blaze and the helicopter was used only for reconnaissance and to locate any spot fires spread by the wind. Although contained relatively quickly the fire was in a berm of stumps and soil and required heavy equipment to assist with extinguishment. Special thanks to John Kirk for a quick response with his backhoe and likewise to Alan Friesen with his mini-excavator. Crews spent several hours on scene mopping up and a fire watch is still on going.”
According to Luckett, the fire started at a service pole on a private property, although the actual cause is still yet to be determined.
“This fire had the potential to be a very serious event,” Luckett said. “The dry, hot weather is forecasted to be with us for the near future so please obey all closures and do not smoke in woods.”
There is a complete fire ban is in effect on Denman Island.
“Thank you to Edie and Brad (BCAS) for on-scene rehab, BC Hydro, Coastal Fire, Fire Dispatch, Denman Island Emporium, BC Ferries, Denman Island General store and especially your Denman Island Fire Fighters, Auxiliary, Radio operators and support crews,” added Luckett.