Praised for fire action

Photo: Ronica Hval

Neighbours helped keep a grass fire at bay in the Lumby area.

Lumby residents who fought a spreading grass fire before local firefighters arrived Wednesday afternoon have been praised for their actions.

“Neighbours really kept the fire at bay while we headed to the scene. They did a great job,” said Lumby Fire Chief Tony Clayton. “One had a backpack sprayer and others used shovels.”

Thirteen members of the fire department in a number of vehicles attended the scene on the 800 block of Creighton Valley Road after the call came in at 12:53 p.m., Clayton said.

“It was 10 metres by 10 metres in steep terrain and a heavily timbered area. The point of origin was close to the road but I'm not saying it was a smoker. The cause is undetermined right now.”

Clayton warned the area remained very dry.

“The fine fuels are really dry, especially in the afternoon.”

While campfires are once again allowed in the Lumby area, Clayton said people “should follow all precautions or, better yet, don't have one.”