Careless campers leave campfire full of garbage near Cameron River

A crew needed an entire truck of water to extinguish a campfire full of garbage near Cameron River yesterday. (Photo courtesy of NWT Fire.)

An abandoned campfire full of garbage left burning near Cameron River was snuffed out before it could pose a danger to nearby cabins.

The fire had to be dug out yesterday by multiple firefighters with an entire truck of water used to extinguish it, NWT Fire stated this morning.

Mike Westwick speaks for NWT Fire.

He stated: “In an area so close to many homes and cabins, this could have become a serious problem with the wrong weather. Never leave fires unattended – it is irresponsible and the most common way people cause fires in the NWT.”

Cameron River is 45 minutes east of Yellowknife and is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.

Anger expressed by people on social media included this statement: “Only selfish IDIOTS would leave a burning fire in the bush!!”

There has been little change in the fire situation in southern regions of the NWT.

 

The 2024 wildfire season totals:

Total active fires: 9

New fires in the last 24 hours: 1

Total fires this year: 15

Hectares affected: 10987 Hectares

 

About the Author

James O'Connor
James O’Connor joined CKLB 101.9 FM at the start of 2024, after working as a journalist, photo editor and managing editor at newspapers in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. James also has experience in politics, arts, service clubs and the NWT’s non-profit sector. At this point in his lengthy career, James is thrilled to be working at such a unique media outlet and always welcomes notes from listeners at: james.oconnor@cklbradio.com.