UPDATE: RCMP and fire investigators said Saturday’s blaze beside Highway 97 in Lake Country was likely human caused, but not deliberately set.
“The fire is being considered accidental in nature, therefore the matter is not being investigated as a criminal arson case,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in a press release Monday.
Original story:
Firefighters hit an interface fire quickly that broke out in Lake Country late Saturday afternoon.
Lake Country Fire Chief Steve Windsor said the fire was in mop up stage by 7 p.m.
The BC Wildfire Service reported air tankers that had been called in to fight the blaze were called off at around 6:30 p.m.
One outbuilding was lost to the flames.
Windsor says the fire was human caused and started in the shed, but no charges are being laid.
The fire lit up at Highway 97 and Lodge Road, near the Husky gas station.
Highway 97 was closed in both directions at the Winfield Shopping Mall at 10051 Highway 97.
Traffic was diverted to Bottom Wood Lake Mall.
The fire is estimated to have grown to two hectares.
Various municipal fire halls were called in to help.
The BC Wildfire Service sent crews and air support to the scene.