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Abandoned campfire starts blaze in Baynes Lake

An abandoned campfire sparked a wildfire in the Baynes Lake area last night.
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Campfires should be doused with water to make sure they are completely extinguished.

Members of the Jaffray and Baynes Lake Fire Departments and an Initial Attack Crew from the Wildfire Management Branch were on the scene of a fire in the Baynes Lake area last night.

About 10 firefighters from the Baynes Lake and Jaffray Fire Departments along with three fire apparatus responded to the scene. The Wildfire Management Branch Crew arrived shortly after to assist. “The wildland fire was sparked by an abandoned campfire and significant resources were immediately deployed,” said Jaffray/Baynes Lake Fire Chief, Dave Boreen. “In addition to our firefighters and the Initial Attack Crew, an air tanker group responded and did six retardant drops.”

The 0.9 hectare fire was under control by 7:30 p.m. last night.

“This should serve as an important reminder to everyone about the importance of making sure campfires are completely extinguished. The hot weather we’ve had in the past two weeks has really dried things out and everyone needs to be aware of the increased risk of wildfire,” adds Boreen.

Wildfire crews were on scene overnight, and will work today ensuring there are no hot spots.