High winds caused a beach fire to get out of control south of Campbell River on Monday (May 9) afternoon.
Multiple 911 calls came in early afternoon on Monday about a brush fire near Highway 19A in the Shelter Point area.
“Fire crews from both of our fire stations responded and reported a ground fire approximately 50 feet by 40 feet burning along the east side of the highway between the beach and the road,” said fire chief Thomas Doherty. “The crews were able to contain it quickly.”
READ ALSO: Soggy April improves water supply forecast for Campbell River
According to a tweet sent out by the fire department on Monday, the highway prevented the fire from spreading, acting as a fire guard.
“The cause of the fire was by a person attempting to start a beach fire, and a piece of paper that was lit on fire blew into a grass area and the fire took off,” Doherty said. “There was a steady breeze coming off the water which also contributed to the fast spread of the fire.”
RELATED: Campbell River fire department responds to two kitchen fires in two days
marc.kitteringham@campbellrivermirror.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter