Live ammo bonfire surprise

Photo: Contributed

A concerned Peachland family is coming forward after their weekend snowmobile trip unearthed a dangerous find.

On Saturday afternoon, the family headed up a dead-end road just outside the Brenda Mine gates – a popular destination for snowmobilers.

“We lit our fire, as usual on the side of the road, on top of about 18 inches of snow,” said the tipster. “After approximately 30 minutes, the fire had melted down to the ground and we were toasty warm.”

The group of five, including a 13-year-old, was enjoying the moment when “all of the sudden, we heard a gunshot."

"After about 10 seconds of panic, we realized there was live ammunition under the snow, right under our fire.”

The family quickly put the fire out and did some digging, discovering two more live bullets.

“I'm not sure who the idiot is who would leave live ammo on the ground at a popular fire site, but ... it could have killed somebody. It is completely irresponsible, and the person who did this should not be allowed to possess a firearm.”

RCMP Cpl. Joe Duncan says firearms users are required to pick up and properly dispose of or store all ammunition. He says this move was clearly dangerous.

“It is very odd, and it is dangerous,” said Duncan. “They should be taking care of their ammo under the regulations.”

Anyone who finds ammunition is urged to contact the RCMP.

“If they can mark the area and give us a call, then we go up there and get it and make sure it is destroyed,” said Duncan. “If you find ammo in the snow, or ammo dumped somewhere, or even old ammo in the garage, by all means give us a call and we will go up there and we will make sure it is destroyed.”