Suspicious fire extinguished in Port Alberni area during burn ban

A pile debris was intentionally set in behind the Port Alberni Walmart in the early hours of Mothers Day.

Firefighters in the Port Alberni area are raising concerns after an unattended debris fire was discovered burning in a wooded area behind Walmart during the early hours of Mother’s Day.

According to the Cherry Creek Fire Department (CCFD), crews were dispatched shortly before 6 a.m. Sunday after reports of smoke coming from behind the store.

When they arrived, firefighters found a smouldering fire approximately 100 metres into a wooded area behind the Walmart property. The fire measured roughly 1.5 metres by 4.5 metres and contained stacked timber and wood debris.

CCFD says the fire was unattended.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze before conducting overhaul operations to ensure there was no remaining risk of its spread into the surrounding brush and forested area.

Cherry Creek Fire Chief Lucas Banton told CTV News the circumstances surrounding the fire were particularly concerning because the debris appeared to have been intentionally stacked and ignited during a complete burn ban.

Banton also said firefighters discovered evidence nearby suggesting there may have been additional attempts to start fires in the area.

The incident comes as a full burn ban remains in effect across the region, including a prohibition on campfires and all open burning.

Fire officials are reminding the public that no open burning is permitted at this time and are urging residents to immediately report any signs of smoke or suspicious fire activity.

Officials add the incident also serves as a reminder that even small fires can pose serious risks under current dry conditions.