Okanagan man fined for starting, leaving campfire during provincial ban

An Okanagan man has been fined for allegedly lighting a campfire during a ban and allowing it to get away from him.

On Monday night, RCMP officers and firefighters responded to a grass fire on West Avenue in Oliver that had spread from a nearby campfire that had allegedly been abandoned.

According to a news release, police found camping equipment and ID at the scene identifying a 45-year-old man who had been reportedly staying in the area.

Police say it appeared he fled the area when the campfire got out of his control.

“This is another example of how fast fire can spread in this heat and why the fire ban is in effect,” says Sgt. Jason Bayda in the news release.

Fortunately, crews with the Oliver Fire Department were able to quickly extinguish the fire before it spread any further.

The man later returned to pick up his belongings at which time RCMP officers issued a violation ticket for lighting a campfire during a provincial ban.

“We thank and give credit to the Oliver Fire Department for their quick response, ensuring this fire did not spread further,” said Sgt. Bayda