Port Alberni Fire Department, BC Wildfire Management and RCMP responded to a small bush fire on Franklin River Road near Anderson Avenue on Thursday, Aug. 3 around 2:22 p.m.
The fire was called in by a passer-by while others stopped to try and extinguish the flames prior to fire department arrival.
According to an RCMP press release, the fire appears to be human caused and is suspicious in nature. Police and fire officials are investigating the cause.
“It’s very fortunate that it was caught so early on that the fire was able to be extinguished before much damage was done. With the weather being so dry and hot it could have spread so easily and quickly. There has been a complete ban on campfires and open burning for some time now, we don’t want any more wild fires,” said Cpl. Amelia Hayden of the Port Alberni RCMP.
The police are looking for anyone who may have witnessed the fire or who may have seen anyone in the area in the minutes leading up to the fire. Contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424 or call Alberni Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).