Today’s Poll

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services respond to Granite Road fires

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
April 23rd, 2021

For the second time in less than a week, Nelson Fire Rescue & Services responded to a grass fire, this time one that was out of control and threatening a home on Granite Road.

Thursday, shortly before noon, Nelson Fire Rescue & Services firefighters attended the approximate 17,000 square foot area grass fire that was burning brush, garden areas and numerous trees. 

“The first arriving crew’s primary objective was to ensure the fire was not threating any of the nearby homes or structures,” Nelson Fire Rescue & Services media release said.

“Crews discharged approximately 2,500 gallons of water in order to extinguish the fire."

“The grass fire appears to have spread from an unattended burn pit on the adjacent property,” Nelson Fire Rescue & Services added.

“The unattended fire, high winds, dry conditions all contributed to how fast the ground fire spread.”

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said while crew were actioning the original incident, dispatch received a second 9-1-1 call from a concerned resident near the original fire.

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said the caller was worried about a large burn pile burning nearby, that also appeared to be unattended.

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said the Assistant Chief and Fire Chief were able to break away from the first scene to quickly respond to the second call.

“When (Assistant Chief and Fire Chief) arrived at this secondary incident, they observed a burn pile with extremely large logs that were improperly stacked,” Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said.

“Although it was attended, the burn pile was burning hot and had little to no fuel break around it.”

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services firefighters responded to an initial grass fire call that burned an approximate 17,000 square foot area. —  Nelson Fire Rescue & Services photo

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said with the dry environment and high winds, embers were beginning to start small fires downwind from the burn and there was a concern the adjacent forest may be threatened.

“The decision was made to redeploy a Fire Engine from the first incident to assist with the second incident,” Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said.

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services crews proceeded wet the adjacent forest down and extinguish the fire with approximately 2000 gallons of water.

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said the property owner was advised of their responsibility to remain present until the fire was completely extinguished.

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said the Southeast Fire Center was advised as provincial regulations mandate that a burn registration number be obtained prior to lighting a Category 3 fire.

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said seven firefighters responded to the incidents with one fire engine, one tender truck, and two utility vehicles. 

Two of the firefighters who were called in remained at the fire station in order to maintain service for the City of Nelson.

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said no injuries were reported as a result of this incident. 

Nelson Fire Rescue & Services would like this opportunity to remind everyone, that when spring burning, always be attentive and have hand tools and a water source available.

“Dry conditions and wind make this even more important,” Nelson Fire Rescue & Services said. “These two events today are examples of how easily fire can become uncontrollable.”

Categories: General

Other News Stories

Opinion