Powell River Fire Rescue responded to a brush fire near Powell River Academy of Music, situated between 4100 and 4149 Manson Avenue, at 7 pm on September 22.
“The dedication and professionalism of our firefighting team, comprising both career and paid on-call staff, ensured the rapid containment of the fire,” stated deputy chief Rocky Swanson in a media release. “Fortunately, there were no reports of structural damage or injuries resulting from the incident.”
The fire, measuring approximately 50 metres by 50 metres, presented a substantial threat due to its proximity to the music school, stated Swanson.
“The Powell River firefighters demonstrated exceptional competence in effectively managing this challenging situation,” stated Swanson.
“Our preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was not of natural origin but was manmade. We are actively investigating to ascertain the precise cause."
Swanson stated that thanks goes out to the community for its patience and cooperation throughout this incident.
“Our primary mission is to safeguard the well-being of our residents, emphasizing the significance of fire safety awareness and prevention in our community,” stated Swanson.
He added that low manpower amplifies the complexity of handling such perilous situations and heightens the associated risks.
“We urge the public to exercise caution, as these situations strain resources and expose our firefighters to unnecessary dangers,” stated Swanson.
“I urge the public to remain vigilant about fire safety, particularly during this ongoing dry season. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident or suspicions of suspicious activity in the area is encouraged to contact Powell River Fire Rescue or the RCMP.”
Join the Peak's email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
