Okanagan brush fire started by illegal, unattended campfire

An unattended campfire is to blame after a fire broke out in the North Okanagan Monday night.

According to the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, the Coldstream Fire Department and BC Wildlife Service responded to reports of smoke around 6:30 pm.

The smoke was caused by a brush fire in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, which was tracked to an illegal campsite.

Fortunately, the fire was contained before it could spread and caused further damage.

Police say this fire serves as a good reminder not to leave campfires unattended, especially when the conditions are so dry.

“With dry conditions and the risk of wildfire increasing, it’s critical that everyone respects rules and fire safety regulations,” said Cst. Chris Terleski with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.

“If you are having a legal campfire, it needs to be extinguished and cold to the touch before being left unattended."

Currently, the BCWS has not banned campfires in the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the Okanagan.

However, camping and fires are not permitted in Kal Park at any time of the year and any signs of fire or unauthorized activity needs to be reported immediately.

Additionally, the Okanagan is currently under a moderate to high fire danger rating.

That means forest fuels are drying or already very dry and the risk for wildfires is serious.

Under those conditions, people are strongly advised to “carry out any forest activities with caution” because new fires run the risk of starting easily and spreading quickly.

The Vernon RCMP are asking anyone with information or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the park to give the detachment a call at (250) 545-7171 and refer to file #2025-9529.