Riondel firefighters extinguish wildfire near Gray Creek
By Nelson Daily Staff
A wildfire near Gray Creek Monday (May 16) evening served as a great reminder the fire season is here said Riondel Fire Chief Cory Medhurst after the local volunteer fire department extinguished the blaze.
“This serves as a good reminder that wildfire season is early and upon us,” said Chief Medhurst.
Quick action by Riondel firefighters doused the fire before it could get out of control.
Although the fire was out of the fire department’s jurisdiction, seven volunteers raced to put out the one-acre blaze which was growing quickly by the time the crew arrived.
“We were able to contain the fire, and essentially put it out before Forestry personnel arrived,” said Medhurst.
The firefighters used their wildland truck, which was acquired last year for wildfires.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay reminds residents to call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 toll free on most cellular networks to report a wildfire. Alternately, you can report a wildfire by calling 9-1-1.
For up-to-date information on fire prohibitions, fire danger rating, and current wildfires, please visit http://bcwildfire.ca/index.htm
The fire rating on the BC Wildfire Service website lists the danger as between Low and Moderate for the Southeast Fire Centre Region.
