All hands on deck as Nelson Fire and Rescue Services battle suspicious fires in Heritage City
By The Nelson Daily Staff
Firefighters in the City of Nelson responded to numerous suspicious fire reports that rocked the city Wednesday evening, including a brush fire at Gyro Park that needed assistance from a near-by bucketing helicopter to extinguish Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said in a media release.
The rush of calls started at 6:20 p.m. when several 911 calls reported a brush fire burning, and spreading quickly, at the popular Gyro Park in the central part of Nelson.
The urgency of the fire had Nelson Fire and Rescue Services immediately contact additional 15 members from home join the two on-duty and two off-duty members, as well as the Assistant Fire Chief to fight the blaze.
“Upon reaching the scene, the first crew encountered a 20-meter x 50-meter brush fire,” the Nelson Fire and Rescue Services media release said.
“Their primary objective was to secure water supply and set up for a fire attack to limit the fire’s growth. Despite facing challenges accessing certain areas due to thick brush, and steep terrain, firefighters, with the assistance of a near-by bucketing helicopter, gained control of the fire quickly.”
Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said during the Gyro Park fire, additional 911 calls came in for a report of a structure fire at the 1000 block of Front Street.
An engine crew from the Gyro Park incident was dispatched to the scene, Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said.
“Upon arrival they witnessed the occupants of the home attempting to extinguish a basement fire with a garden hose,” Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said.
“The crew set up for a fire attack, made entry into the basement extinguishing the fire.”
Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said during these calls a third 911 call reported a grass fire near the railway tracks south of Walmart.
“This was quickly action by a YRB crew that happened to be in the area,” Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said.
“The Assistant Fire Chief requested assistance from BC Wildfire, who then dispatched a crew to support both efforts at Gyro Park and the YRB crew.”
Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said in total, 19 Nelson firefighters along with crews from BC Wildfire participated in the incidents along with two fire engines, one tender truck, one rescue truck and one air support helicopter were utilized.
“The cause of the fires a suspicious in nature and are currently under investigation by Nelson Fire & Rescue and Nelson City Police,” Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said.
Nelson Fire & Rescue would like to thank BC Wildfire, BC Ambulance, Nelson City Police and YRB for their support.
Nelson Fire & Rescue Services would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that there is an Open Burning and Campfire ban in effect.
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