A small fire ignited on χwɛmaɬkwu (Homalco)-owned forested land near Willow Creek in Campbell River on Saturday.
Homalco First Nation said the blaze was suppressed within an hour of being discovered thanks to quick responses from the Campbell River Fire Department and χwɛmaɬkwu staff and leadership.
“This incident highlights the shared responsibility we all have to ensure the safety of our communities and the prevention of catastrophic wildfires,” said a release from Homalco First Nation.
The Nation said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
“Recent wildfire mitigation work in the area has also created new potential trail corridors that may, in time, support public use,” said the release. “However, χwɛmaɬkwu First Nation asks that these areas be respected and not used while logging and related operations are ongoing.”
The Nation is asking the public to ensure ATVs are fitted with working spark arrestors, to practise FireSmart behaviour and to follow all χwɛmaɬkwu signage.
