Investigation underway into illegal, unattended burn pile on a vacant lot in Ellison

ELLISON – The Regional District of the Central Okanagan would fine the person responsible for an out-of-season, unattended burn pile that got out of control in the Ellison area earlier this week, but they don't know who did it.

Concerned neighbours near the property on Farmers Drive above the Kelowna Airport called the Ellison Fire Department Tuesday afternoon, May 10. Firefighters found a 100’ by 100’ grass fire that was moving up the trunks of several trees. A burn ban was in place at the time and the fire had been left unattended.

About a dozen firefighters managed to put the fire out but were unable to speak to the owner of the property.

“Apparently the property is vacant,” Bruce Smith with the regional district says in an email. “We will be doing an investigation and if appropriate will issue a fine under the RDCO Fire Prevention and Regulations Bylaw 1066.”

Smith says they may also bill for the costs of the fire department response if the person responsible is found.

Investigation underway into illegal, unattended burn pile on a vacant lot in Ellison | iNFOnews.ca — The regional district says the burn pile that was left unattended and got out of control in Ellison this week was on a vacant lot., Whoever lit the fire in Ellison this week had to drive past this sign less than a kilometre from the property on Farmers Drive. Photographer: Adam Proskiw

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