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Wildfire kills four: Fast-growing blaze turns against firefighters
B.C. Fire Fighters Have Their Hands Full Tonight
Brave Men And Women Fighting Two Blazes At Once
VANCOUVER, 5:59 p.m. PDT July 7, 2001 --B.C. forest fire fighters have their hands full tonight with two blazes burning in the same region.
Extra crews have been sent in to help battle a huge fire burning out of control for the past few days near Invermere. A second fire broke out this afternoon on the outskirts of nearby town of Kimberley.
The second blaze is approximately 3-4 hectacres in size and local municipal firefighters were first on the scene but they were forced to call in forest fire fighters as the fire gathered strength.
Two air tankers and ground crew responded quickly to the scene. The actions of the tankers managed to lay a line of fire retardant chemicals across the head of the fire.
Several homes in the are are in danger but fire fighters are "cautiously optimistic" they can prevent any damage to nearby property.
Wildfire
Flames
Close to Homes
Flames from a
grass fire came dangerously close to spreading to Westside residential area this
morning. The fire started in Kalmoor Park which is south of CasaLoma Resort and
scorched about 1.5 hectares before it was brought under control. The flames came
within 50-100 feet of some nearby homes. It took 16 firefighters to contain the
blaze and the use of the Kelowna fire boat which supplied water to the area. The
cause is undetermined but the fire did start at the edge of a trail.
Wildfires
often being unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes.
Reduce your risk by preparing now - before wildfire strikes. Meet with your
family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area. We
have listed some important steps to protect your family, home, and property.
Practice and promote these steps now.