Courtenay brush fire likely caused by smoker, say firefighters
A poorly discarded cigarette is considered the likely cause of a brush fire that had to be controlled by Courtenay Fire crews Wednesday morning.
Several 911 calls were placed by motorists travelling along the Inland Island Highway who were seeing smoke near Forbidden Plateau Road. Crews were able to eventually locate the source of the smoke, a five-square-metre blaze that was in a treed area.
"It’s gone right up the side of the trees, of the fir, a good three metres so we’re very fortunate that it wasn’t worse than what it was, given we’re in an extreme fire event," says Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Henderson.
Empty cigarette packages and smoked butts were noticeable not far away, leading to the belief the fire was possibly caused by a smoker.
"It looks like a favourite smoking place so that possibly could be the cause," said Henderson.
"Just appreciate that we’re in an extreme fire hazard, we’ve got over 300 fires burning in B.C. and we all have to do our part to be extra vigilant to make sure these sorts of instances don’t happen," he said.
Earlier this week, smoking materials are believed to have caused a balcony fire in Langford, causing the brief evacuation of a condo building.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.