Suspicious brush fire near Coombs, B.C., prompts RCMP investigation

CCFD responded to a reported brush fire shortly after 10:00 PM last night in the area of Coombs Country Candy along the roadside.

What began as a small roadside brush fire near Coombs, B.C., late Wednesday night is now under RCMP investigation after witnesses reported seeing a man toss a lit cigarette into dry grass, according to the Cherry Creek Fire Department.

Fire crews were called to the area near Coombs Country Candy shortly after 10 p.m. after flames were spotted along the roadside.

Before firefighters arrived, several bystanders stopped to help contain the fire.

“It was about five by five feet,” said Cherry Creek Fire Chief Lucas Banton. “Bystanders grabbed their Gatorade bottles and started dousing it out and actually helped to slow it down.”

RCMP attended the scene and later located an individual in the nearby area.

No injuries were reported, and officials have not said whether charges are being considered.

The incident comes as fire departments across Vancouver Island warn that warmer, drier conditions are increasing the risk of fast-moving brush fires heading into wildfire season.

Banton said the quick actions of witnesses made a significant difference in the response.

“We get very busy chasing a lot of fires early in the season and it does drain resources, time, and money. So, when you have the assistance of the public that’s really important.”