Nelson Fire crews kept busy dealing with accidents leading up to Christmas Day
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Fire Department was kept busy with more than last minute Christmas shopping as firefighters responded to two vehicle fires and three accidents prior to Santa’s arrival.
Fortunately for everyone involved, there were no injuries reported in any of these incidents.
The most dramatic incident occurred on Highway 6 south of Nelson, just past Nelson Toyota.
Ironically, this was the second major accident in the area of the car dealership in a week.
Last week a logging truck ended up sideways on Highway 6 after the driver dodged a pick up truck.
The latest accident happened Monday (December 23) as a vehicle heading towards Salmo lost control and the left the roadway, rolling down the bank into Cottonwood Creek.
RCMP officers were first on the scene to see the two occupants trapped inside the vehicle.
Officers were able to verbally speak with the occupants in the vehicle and received information that they did not seem to be seriously injured.
When fire crews arrived on scene the first priority was to stabilize the vehicle so that it did not roll off of its side further into the creek.
The first arriving crew was tasked with setting up vehicle stabilizers in the freezing creek water.
Additional members were called in from home and responded to the scene as well and were able to assist with setting up ladders to traverse the creek and provide better access up and down the bank.
The Nelson City Police were also on scene and assisted with the incident by providing traffic control on the slippery highway.
Once the vehicle was stabilized, the two occupants were able to exit the vehicle onto the ladder that was across the creek and come up the bank where BC Ambulance personnel treated them.
During the recovery on Highway 6, fire crews responded to two additional motor vehicle accidents on the same stretch of highway.
The first incident the vehicle had just slid off of the road. Passing motorists helped push the vehicle out of the ditch.
The second incident the vehicle had ended up on its roof.
Sunday (December 22), Nelson Fire crews responded to two vehicle fires.
The first one being in front of Blewett School and appears to have been the result of a fuel leak.
The second fire was in Nelson on Third Street and appears to be electrical in nature.
Nelson Fire Rescue would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that if you suspect any mechanical problems with your vehicle that you should get it inspected by a mechanic.
Nelson Fire Rescue would also like to wish everyone a happy and fire safe holiday season.
