Two fires that broke out along Highway 101 near the turnoff to Homesite Creek and to San Souci on Monday, July 26, are being investigated as suspicious, Halfmoon Bay Fire Chief Ryan Daley told Coast Reporter.
The Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department got the call about a small fire in the bush off the side of the highway around 5:15 p.m.
Bob van Beers and his girlfriend Joy were driving back from a kayaking trip on the Sunshine Coast when the couple from Burnaby saw smoke. As they reported it, other passersby stopped to help stomp out the flames – only for the fire department to be notified of a second fire about 1,000 ft. away.
The first fire was about 40 ft. into the bushes off the highway, and about 25 to 30 ft. in diameter. It was starting to burn smaller trees as the firefighters showed up, Daley said.
“It was really great work by the passersby, who had most of it knocked down by the time we got there, so all we had to do was add a bunch of water,” Daley said.
“But while we were there, we got notified that there was another fire about 1,000 feet down the way – and this one was about three times the size.”
The second fire was similar: about 50 ft. into the bushes from the highway. Because of the time, proximity and similarity, Daley said the fires are suspicious. The cause is still being investigated.
The 15 members of the Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department who attended were able to put out both fires, but Daley said the fires were “close calls” for this time of year. The Sechelt fire department was on standby for the response, and a member of the BC Forest Service attended to investigate.
van Beers told Coast Reporter a work truck stopped to help put out the flames with a fire extinguisher. van Beers and his girlfriend had 10-litre water bags they were able to use. The group flagged down more passing vehicles for water, while someone used a shovel to remove dry leaves and grass that could have served as fuel.
“While I called in the fire yesterday, it was definitely a team effort where five to six people quickly jumped into action and several passing cars handed all their drinking water bottles, which really prevented a bigger fire,” van Beers said.
The Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department “showed up in full force and quickly took control of the fire,” he added.
Daley said he’d like to remind the public to call even if they’re unsure there’s a fire, so the fire departments can investigate.
“The earlier we can catch it, the better chance we have at extinguishing it and causing less damage. But a fire right now at this time of year and how dry it is, is extremely dangerous. So if they see anything suspicious or anyone suspicious, just call it in to be safer than sorry,” Daley said.
