The B.C. Forest Service and Sechelt fire department quickly contained a suspected cabin fire that spread into the forest on Aug. 20.
The Coastal Fire Centre was contacted about the fire just before noon Thursday. Fire information officer Donna MacPherson said an initial attack crew of three people and a helicopter arrived on scene and shortly after that, another helicopter with other ground crew arrived on scene. By mid afternoon, three helicopters were water bucketing the fire from the air, while 12 battled the fire on the ground.
MacPherson said the fire was burning at rank one and was .5 of a hectare.
"There were other cabins in the area, so whenever there are structures that could be in harms way, it's a concern too us," she said. "It was windy in the area and the wind was changing directions, so that again was a concern for us."MacPherson said on Friday morning, one crew member stayed on scene throughout the night to monitor the area. Seven crew members were on scene all day Friday mopping up and checking for any hot spots and on Saturday morning, a flyover will be done with an infrared camera to make sure the fire is completely out.
MacPherson said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but all indications are pointing to a cabin that was completely destroyed and the flames from the burning structure spreading into the forest.
Sechelt fire department assistant chief Trevor Pike said the fire location was outside of the department's catchment area, but they did assist forestry crews with a tanker truck, mini-pumper and six members.
"It's so dry out there right now that you have to hit these forest fires hard and fast," said Pike. "We have an agreement with forestry to assist in anyway. It's all in the name of saving life and property."
