Fire department discourages residential burning

Last week’s grass fire in the Fairmont neighbourhood of Columere Park is prompting a warning from Rural Fire & Rescue in the Columbia Valley.

Fire department officials are indicating that a burn back on Thursday could have easily gotten out of hand.

Deputy Chief Joss Advocaat said it came dangerously close to a heavy timber stand, and had it not been for the outstanding efforts of firefighters, it could have been a lot worse.

Even with rain in parts of the region yesterday, wind and this weekend’s heat could change conditions on a dime.

Officials are recommending residents not burn anything but take advantage of neighbour bin programs instead.