British Columbia adds wildfire trucks as multiple fires disrupt homes and services

The Regional District Kootenay Boundary announced the acquisition of three Type 5 wildfire trucks for Trail, Rossland and Fruitvale, funded by the Columbia Basin Trust and AM Ford, to improve response to wildland‑urban interface fires.

In West Quesnel, an early‑morning blaze spread from an out‑building to an adjacent house. The homeowner and a cat escaped unharmed; firefighters arrived quickly, halted the fire and reported no structural damage. The cause remains under investigation.

A fire at a solid‑waste partner facility in the Regional District of Nanaimo prompted immediate interruptions to recycling‑organic curbside collections, while garbage‑organic service continued. Residents were directed to use the Church Road Transfer Station or the regional landfill for missed collections.

Along the Vedder River near Peach Road in Chilliwack, a log‑debris fire deemed intentionally set led to the arrest of two suspects. A separate structure fire on Watson Road was contained, preventing damage to a mobile home. Police highlighted safe charging practices for e‑bike batteries.