Officials searching for video of cigarette sparking massive fire

Mounties investigate incident in B. C., seek person behind unmanned craft

British Columbia Forests Minister Steve Thomson says officials are looking for a video that apparently shows how a massive wildfire that has destroyed 30 homes in the province’s southeast was sparked by a flicked cigarette.

Thomson said Monday that officials have heard about the video but have yet to see any evidence.

The 37- square- kilometre Rock Creek wildfire stared Thursday and is currently burning out of control east of the southern Okanagan town of Osoyoos. Officials have already said it was human caused.

“We have no confirmation of ( the video) at this time, but the investigation is ongoing and I would encourage anyone who has video to share it with the local RCMP or with our Wildfire Service,” he said.

Besides the homes, 15 other buildings have been destroyed by the fire so far, and another 242 properties remain on evacuation order.

Homeowners were taken into the fire- ravaged area Monday morning to assess the damage.

“It’s just a drive- by to look at their homes,” said Alan Stanley of the Kootenay Boundary Regional District. “They’re either standing or they’re not. It’s pretty emotional.”

The Red Cross is setting up a centre where residents can receive financial assistance, cleanup kits and other support. It is also collecting donations for families affected by B. C. wildfires this year.

About 100 personnel are working to get the Rock Creek fire under control, but hot, dry conditions are making their jobs difficult, said fire information officer Mike McCulley.

The fire is one of more than 230 blazes currently burning across B. C., said provincial fire information officer Kevin Skrepnek.

He said significant progress has been made on two Oliver- area fires.

Skrepnek said the 15- square- kilometre Testalinden fire burning seven kilometres south of the town is now 40 per cent contained and the three- square- kilometre Wilson Mountain wildfire burning just north of Osoyoos is about 70 per cent contained.

Evacuation orders have been lifted for residents living near both fires, though they must still be ready to leave again at a moment’s notice.

Eight helicopters and five planes fighting the fires near Oliver were grounded for more than three hours Sunday due to a drone flying in the area.

Thomson was at the Oliver airport at the time and said the crews’ faces showed frustration.

“Ticked off would probably be too mild a term to talk about their reaction,” he said.

“It’s really something that is not acceptable as we have these assets in the air, supporting and protecting our communities.”

Skrepnek said the province has spent $ 207 million fighting the nearly 1,650 wildfires across B. C. this year.

Police are investigating an incident in which a rogue drone disrupted firefighting efforts on two wildfires in the South Okanagan.

Eight helicopters and five fixedwing aircraft were grounded for several hours Sunday afternoon after a drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle, flew over one of two fires near Oliver.

The incident affected firefighting operations on the Testalinden Creek and Wilson’s Mountain Road wildfires, and was “incredibly” frustrating for firefighting crews, said fire information officer Noelle Kekula.

“It was a significant impact to our fire suppression efforts,” said Kekula.

According to a release from the B. C. Wildfire Service, all wildfires are considered to be “Flight Restricted” zones under Canadian Air Regulations.

It is illegal to fly any aircraft, including a drone, within a radius of five nautical miles around the fire and up to 3,000 above ground level.

“This aerial activity is dangerous, and poses a significant safety risk to personnel, especially when low- flying firefighting aircraft are present,” the release said.

The police investigation is ongoing and the Oliver RCMP are looking to speak with the owner or operator of the drone, said RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Janelle Shoihet.

Members of the public are being urged to phone the Oliver RCMP at 250- 498- 3422 with any information about the incident, said Shoihet, adding that police are “still looking to identify that person, and I’m sure they’ve probably got some heat from their own friends and neighbours.” On Monday, the Testalinden Creek wildfire was estimated at approximately 1,600 hectares and was 40 per cent contained as 80 firefighters, four pieces of heavy equipment, and seven helicopters fought the blaze.

The Wilson’s Mountain Road wildfire was estimated at approximately 315 hectares and was 70 per cent contained Monday with 28 firefighters involved.

Area resident Frank Huschek said he had wondered why air support for the firefighting efforts appeared to suddenly stop Sunday afternoon. When he learned the reason, he said, he was “absolutely flabbergasted.”

“I believe criminal charges might be warranted,” said Huschek, who can see the fires from his home near Oliver. “That’s as bad as starting a fire by throwing a lit cigarette out the window, isn’t it?”

I believe criminal charges might be warranted.