The Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) dealt with two concerning incidents just days apart earlier this month.
On Thursday, April 3 at approximately 2:45 p.m., LSIB resources were alerted by band members of a wildfire in the 800 block of Chopaka Rd. Four days later, on the morning of Monday, April 7, LSIB Guardians were notified of a suspicious motorhome parked on reserve lands.
Three members of the skul'qalt logging crew found the fire that was started in a refuse pile near an uninhabited property and abandoned. Strong winds moved the fire into the grass and duff, but because it was spotted quickly, the blaze was kept small.
"Four inhabited properties are near this location, and they would have been in danger if the fire had not been able to be controlled," LSIB stated.
LSIB commended the work of community members Keith T., Ira E. and Eric E. for their quick response and excellent work in controlling the flames before a BC Wildfire Service crew arrived at the scene to finish off the ground fuels and complete mop-up.
LSIB also reminded the community that the valley is still in drought conditions, and everyone must follow the following procedures:
- do not leave fires unattended
- keep the mandatory 19 litres of water close and have good hand-tools ready
- have enough people to extinguish the fire if it starts to be adversely affected
One of the locks and ignition of the suspicious motorhome was discovered to be tampered with, and further inquiries found that some elders had spotted the vehicle driving in the same area the day before. RCMP Keremeos were contacted and the motorhome was towed. The investigation has been handed over to the RCMP.
"LSIB would like to remind everyone that if you see a suspicious vehicle on our lands, to please call our office immediately at 250-499-5528 to report it," they stated.
After regular business hours, reports can be reported to RCMP Keremeos at 250-499-5511 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
