NARAMATA — What was supposed to be a controlled burn quickly spread out of control in Naramata Friday morning. The fire was intentionally set on an orchard in Lower Debeck, but fire officials say the proper burning measures weren’t taken.
“It basically quadrupled in size in a hurry,” says Naramata fire chief, Tony Trovao. “The wind picked up and it went sideways. Everything is so dry right now, a little bit of wind changes everything.”
Fire officials received the burning complaint just after 10 a.m. and it wasn’t until nearly 3 p.m. that the mop up finished.
Trovao says while the owners did have a burning permit, illegal items including plastics, rubber and yard waste were thrown in the fire and proper rules and regulations, including having adequate water nearby, weren’t followed.
The property owners hired a contractor to conduct the fire and it’s unclear who may be on the hook for a fine, but Trovao says the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen will be investigating.
Trovao says if you are conducting an open burn, make sure you read the regulations of your permit and know what safety measures you need to take so the fire doesn’t spread out of control.
(Credit: Skylar Noe-vack)
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