UPDATED: Nelson Police make arrest following grass fire near Highway overpass
By The Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Police said officers have identified and arrested 36-year-old male in connection with the August 28, 2021, grass fire near Highway 6/3A and below the Alpine Motel.
The fire was quickly extinguished by Nelson Fire & Rescue Services members.
Nelson Police said the man was observed lighting the fire by a sharp-eyed Nelson resident who then reported the matter to local authorities.
Nelson Police said officers and fire department members were able to quickly work together locating the male in the downtown core of Nelson.
“A charge of arson is being recommended against the male who is known to police,” Nelson Police said.
“Charges will be forwarded to Crown Counsel (and) the male is set to appear in court on December 7, 2021,” Nelson Police added.
Nelson Police said the man is not believed to be involved in the previous arsons in the West Kootenay region.
Nelson Fire & Rescue extinguishes grass fire near Alpine Motel
The Heritage City dodged the threat of a major wildfire inside the city limits after Nelson Fire & Rescue Services extinguished a grass fire on the bank below the Alpine Motel Saturday afternoon.
In a media release, Nelson Fire & Rescue Services said fire crews were called at 4:43 p.m. after a fire near the Highway 3A/6 overpass on the border of Uphill and Rosemont districts in Nelson.
Nelson Fire & Rescue Services said both on-duty members responded immediately with two additional off-duty members along with Nelson Police officers.
“A large amount of smoke was evident from many blocks away,” Nelson Fire & Rescue Services said.
“Upon arrival of the first crew, flames had already reached the top of the slope although it had originally started 50-meters below, at the base of the slope.”
Nelson Fire & Rescue Services said the first arriving crew’s primary objective was to use on-board water to prevent the aggressive grass fire from spreading to nearby homes and buildings above.
“As the crew worked the fire, they secured a connection to a hydrant, and by (5:40) hours had completely extinguished the blaze,” Nelson Fire & Rescue Services said.
Nelson Fire & Rescue Services said four firefighters responded to the incident with one fire engine and one utility vehicle and there were no injuries at this fire.
“(D)amage appears to be limited to 13m x 50m the grassy area by the highway,” Nelson Fire & Rescue Services said.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation.”
Nelson Fire & Rescue Services would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to that despite our recent rains and cooler weather, fires in grassy and woody areas are still a serious threat and can move quickly.
