Arsonist scorches forest near Wilmer

A series of intentionally lit fires in the forest created a small wildfire near Wilmer over the weekend.

Forest fire fighters from the Invermere Fire Base were called to the blaze on Friday evening, located in a forested area adjacent to West Side Road north of Wilmer. Southeast Fire Centre spokesperson Gwen Eamer explained that three separate ignition points were discovered, of which two separate wildfires resulted.

While the area burnt only totaled approximately one hectare, the fires caused significant concern for forestry officials who noted the proximity to a residential area. Another intentionally set fire occurred in Cranbrook’s community forest over the weekend as well.

“When these fires are being set close to communities it ups the risk of an interface fire event that could devastate the community,” she said.

Firefighters recorded “rank two” fire behaviour at the scene, which is considered a low, vigorous ground fire with open flames.

According to Eamer the area had been used as a dumping ground, as is common around Wilmer. Although it wasn’t clear if the garbage, including a wooden pallet and other debris, were the ignition points, it was clear that the fires were intentionally set and not caused by lightening.

Severe lightening storms have been buffeting the region since Saturday, however Eamer said the forest service closely monitors lightening strikes and none were recorded in the area. However lightening did cause fires within the region while resources were tied up dealing with the fire near Wilmer, which is a bad situation.

“We want people to understand that when these arson fires occur the resources and officials that respond, should have been free to respond to the fires that were caused by lightening,” Eamer implored.

Since July 2, there have been four lightening-caused fires and three human-caused fires in the area. Many locals camping near White Swan Lake spotted smoke and flames on the mountainside and watched an air tanker drop fire retardant on the fire as well as a helicopter that picked up water from the lake and dropped it from the air over the weekend.

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