Saanich fire crews at the scene of multiple brush fires in the Panama Flats area on July 16, 2018. Photo Credit: Saanich Fire Department.
Saanich firefighters quickly extinguished multiple brush fires in Panama Flats near Interurban Road Monday afternoon.
According to the Saanich fire department, there were a series of fires on the municipal-owned land. The fires were reported around 3:15 p.m. and extinguished at around 3:45 p.m.
Brock Henson, assistant deputy chief with the Saanich Fire Department, said two engines, one ladder, one rescue and one tanker went to the fires with approximately 15 personnel. Two of the fires were approximately 40 feet by 50 feet (12 metres and 15 metres) and were about 100 metres apart. There was a smaller fire in the middle measuring around 10 ft. by 10 ft. (3 m by 3 m).
Multiple suspicious spot fires…several fairly large, just extinguished in Panama Flats. Quick work by B Shift. pic.twitter.com/5TsJSeFhnZ
— Saanich Fire (@SaanichFire) July 16, 2018
Henson said the fires are considered suspicious because there were three in the same geographic area at the same time. The fire department and Saanich police are investigating.
Several roads in the area were closed while firefighters put out the fires, including Interurban and Wilkinson roads.
Henson said it’s important to remember that conditions are extremely dry on Vancouver Island and people should be cautious as any ignition source can cause a grass or wildland fire.
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