Kamloops firefighters urge caution after cigarette sparks grass fire

KAMLOOPS – Kamloops Fire Rescue is asking smokers to be more responsible after a close call with a grass fire near homes in Rose Hill.

Investigators say there's a "strong reason to believe" the grass fire on Wednesday, July 19 was started by a tossed cigarette.

Officials are asking all smokers to use ashtrays or carry some other type of receptacle to throw cigarettes away.

A $500 fine can be issued to anyone getting rid of cigarettes in a dangerous way, according to a release from Kamloops Fire Rescue.

Nature areas in the city will remain closed until the fire danger rating drops.

This grass fire was put out thanks to quick action by Kamloops Fire Rescue. | Credit: SUBMITTED/Kamloops Fire Rescue

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kim Anderson or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.