Home »
Jaffray Fire fights fourth fire at Tie Lake Transfer Station
Members of the Jaffray Fire Department responded to another fire in the metals pile at the Tie Lake Transfer Station Wednesday night.
“The fire started in the engine compartment and did not spread beyond the car itself,” said Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Services Deputy Chief Michael Hockley. “RCMP were able to locate the person who drove the vehicle to the site and he informed us that the car had overheated, causing a fire. The occupant had used a fire extinguisher on the car and believed the fire was fully out before leaving the site; however, it continued smouldering.”
Five firefighters and four trucks from the Jaffray Fire Department responded to the call and ensured the fire was fully extinguished.
This is the fourth fire in the metals pile at the transfer station since April 17 and, while the cause of this fire has been determined, all the other fires are suspicious in nature.
“We are appealing to the residents and users of the transfer station site to report any suspicious activity and to avoid any activity on site that could lead to a fire,” added Hockley.
Aside from the environmental and potential health hazards associated with fires in the metal pile, the transfer station is surrounded by forest which, if the circumstances were favourable, could lead to a fire spreading beyond the site and affecting homes and properties.
“Every time one of our firefighters responds to these calls, it puts them in danger. These fires at this transfer station are all preventable and it is unacceptable that our members and the community are being potentially put at risk,” added Hockley.
Anyone with any information about the recent suspicious fires is asked to contact the Jaffray Fire Hall non-emergency line at 250-429-3133 or the Cranbrook RCMP.
Lead image: Members of the Jaffray Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire Wednesday night at the Tie Lake Transfer Station, and were able to contain the fire to the car’s engine compartment. Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Services photo
RDEK
