Editor:
On Friday, June 1, my husband and I decided a hike up Mount Daniel would be a wonderful choice, given it has such stunning views at the top. We arrived and parked by Garden Bay Road, where people are supposed to park. As we walked in, two cars – a silver Volvo and a light green Subaru Forester – were parked near the start of the trail. A group of five or six were returning to their cars with backpacks. They were very friendly, telling us how “beautiful” it was at the top. We agreed with them and started up the trail.
As we neared the outlook at the top, we both remarked that we could smell smoke. We stepped out to the lookout and to our shock discovered a campfire – still burning. All around was dry grass and dead branches and trees that had suffered the lack of water and heat of the last couple of years. Fortunately, I had a water bottle so we went to work to put the actively burning fire out. We stayed at the top until we knew the fire was out and resolved to share this experience and picture of the offending fire.
This is shocking, given that we already have fires burning out of control in British Columbia and this fire, left so carelessly burning, could have so easily destroyed the forest of Mount Daniel and surroundings, not to mention the homes and lives that are senselessly put at risk by such unthinking human behaviour. And, sadly, we know that many fires are caused by human carelessness.
It is fire season and everyone needs to be vigilant. For this group of people who left the fire, if you read this, you know who you are. Shame on you for putting our beautiful Pender Harbour at risk.
Anne Sulzberger, Pender Harbour
