Quick action stops suspicious fire near homes in Merritt

MERRITT — Members of the Merritt Fire Rescue Department acted quickly to douse a small fire on the western side of the community late Thursday (Jul. 25) night.

According to a City of Merritt news release, fire crews were alerted to a burning pile of pallets along Lookout Access Road off Juniper Drive at 11:35 p.m.

The fire is considered to be human-caused and is now the subject of an RCMP investigation. “The presence of burning pallets is deeply concerning,” said Merritt Fire Rescue Chief David Tomkinson.

A total of 19 Merritt firefighters attacked the fire with the support of BC Wildfire Service Initial Attack Crews. The fire grew to approximately 0.5 hectares before firefighters were able to gain the upper hand.  It was declared to be under control at 1 a.m.

Fire Rescue officials say the blaze, while relatively small, burned close to homes and could have led to serious damage if not for the swift multi-agency response.

City officials say unauthorized burning is strictly prohibited within the City of Merritt, and all suspicious fire activity should be reported immediately. Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in connection with the Thursday fire is asked to reach out to the Merritt RCMP detachment.