Cause of park fire still unknown
Investigators are scouring the scorched slopes of a downtown Kamloops park, trying to determine what sparked a five-hectare brush fire on Sunday, Oct. 14.
Kamloops Fire Rescue Capt. Sheldon Guertin said crews were called to the east side of Peterson Creek Park at about 2:30 p.m. to battle the blaze, which began in the area south of the Peterson Creek Bridge.
"Winds blowing from the southwest and the steepness of the terrain made it difficult for firefighters," he said.
According to Guertin, more than 30 firefighters, including 17 from the B.C. Forest Service, were working on the blaze prior to its containment.
Crews were also aided by a bucket-equipped helicopter dropping water on the blaze.
The fire was contained by about 7 p.m.
There were no injuries and no buildings damaged as the blaze was confined to the hills of the rugged downtown Kamloops park.
Guertin said four firefighters stayed on the scene overnight after the blaze and crews were back in Peterson Creek on Monday morning, putting out any hot spots.
It's still too early to determine what sparked the fire, Guertin said.
"Nothing's been ruled out at this time," he said.
The investigation is ongoing.
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