A spate of deliberately set fires on the night of Friday, July 26 has the community of Crofton on edge.
The Crofton fire department responded after at least five fires were set in the small seaside village, including one that blackened a patch of dry grass behind Crofton Elementary School, one that burned a small patch under some shrubs at the corner of Lois and Pauline Streets, where it looked like paper had been set aflame, one that attempted to burn an arbutus tree near the community boat launch, one that burned some grass in a flower border at a park beside the ferry terminal, and a fire was lit in a garbage can at the entry to the Crofton Seawalk.
Social media has been abuzz as news of the fires spread throughout the community.
The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP confirmed that they have been called in to assist with what are believed to be intentionally set fires.
Conditions were tinder dry on July 26, with the fire danger rating sitting at extreme, following weeks without significant rainfall. Water restrictions in the Cowichan Valley Regional District, which includes Crofton, are at Stage 3, as the drought level is at 4.
In spite of some rain this week, the fire danger remains high as dry, hot weather is expected to resume.
“With the extremely dry weather fires can quickly become out of control," said spokesperson Const. Julie Miller. "Citizens are reminded of the total fire ban and are urged to report any suspicious activity to the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP. Anyone who may have information or surveillance of the Friday fires are encouraged to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Detachment at 250-748-5522."
Wildfires are burning in much of the province, with numerous communities facing evacuation alerts and orders. While Vancouver Island has been fortunate so far this fire season, a blaze is burning in Sooke, affecting air quality through Cowichan.
