Brush fire – north and east of Tuc el nuit Lake at Oliver
Time started – prior to 2pm Saturday
Location – Nk’ Mip Vineyard area – Vineyard Rd off Tucelnuit Drive (OIB)
Oliver Fire Department responded
Police in attendance but not the usual local officers.
In an unmarked car – two gang enforcement members in the neighbourhood it would seem.
Good water supply adjacent to the irrigation water canal east of Oliver Ready Mix.
Some concern to evacuate out of country migrant workers who are living on the vineyard adjacent to the fire scene.
Cause of fire – Town of Oliver which has a pumphouse in the area says: ” I met Fortis and Oliver fire department on scene as one of the town pump stations was down and Yes it was a couple birds , they land on the bare primaries next to the transformers and …..poof a fuse melts causing sparks to rain down which started the fire.” Adrian Zandvliet
Thanks to OIB’s Terry Baptiste for clarifications to original story.
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New to me – Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit
CFSEU-BC, while conducting its own investigations into those who post the greatest risk to public safety due to gang violence, plays a vital support role to police agencies in BC and beyond, frequently collaborating with law enforcement agencies across the country and around the world. The integrated approach enhanced coordination and strategic deployment against violent threats posed by organized crime groups and gangs in BC, Canada, and abroad.
CFSEU-BC’s presence in communities across British Columbia sends a message to those who benefit from and are responsible for these crimes and the violence that occurs it is our intention to hold those individuals accountable for their actions and keep the citizens of BC safe.
brent redenbach says
is this not a little primitive of a electrical system for 2020? remember how vaseaux lake fire started! there should not be a POOF in this modern era!birds are all over,especially this time of year and near vineyards!
Publisher: Over to you Ron Hunter
Terry Baptiste says
Arterra does lease and operate the vineyards around Area 27 (the top field and bottom field), and the two vineyards on the northeast side of Osoyoos Lake.
The vineyard on Vineyard road is Inkameep Vineyards….not Arterra. The Band has owned and operated that vineyard since the late ’60s. Sure we sell grapes to 13 different wineries and Arterra is one of them, but its 100% Band owned and operated.
As for the Gang Unit…our local RCMP has sent 4 cop cars to mental health calls on OIB, so don’t be surprised that a ‘Gang Unit’ would show up for a little brush fire. But perhaps the gang unit was the only RCMP available as the others were busy doing their job. We can’t expect perfection, but their presence is needed for the majority of the time.
Happy Aboriginal Day.
Publisher: Arterra vehicle – large – arrived while I was there – looking concerned. As to RCMP resources I am certainly not an expert on MH issues in Town, out in rural C or at the OIB. To me you seem to be contesting what I reported. Gang unit is not necessarily RCMP.
A source said RCMP armoured troop carrier and 4 black SUV with lights stationed at reserve entrance recently. I do not know the day or time.
BTW I met with two of your aunts, one uncle and one cousin at the scene – and to be quite honest Terry we had a lot more fun that day than this conversation.
Let us remain….. Kinsmen.
Terry Baptiste says
Jack. I’m not contesting you at all. I never have a problem with your work. I was just clearing up that it’s not Arterra Vineyards…and then a little rant…nothing aimed at you in any way.
Its always fun talking with you.
Keep up the good work!
Adrian Zandvliet says
I met Fortis and oliver fire department on sceen as one of the town pump stations was down and Yes it was a couple birds , they land on the bare primaries next to the transformers and poof a fuse melts causing sparks to rain down which started the fire ,
Shirley Zelinski says
Sorry Jack. I know I did the math wrong, and it is probably closer to 4 time average rate for murder. I am tired of hearing these people got what was coming to them, everyone’s life has value, and we cannot ignore the highest of criminal acts by the murderer.
Publisher: Agree Shirley – the figures are what they are – and they are too high. Not too sure I want to blame any government or person. The people of Canada are complacent and if it does not directly affect them – they read about it and then go back to Antiques Roadshow.
At what level is organized crime involved or how many gangs operate – I think we need to look at the supply chain.
I often wonder what so many cars park at Willowbrook and Fairview. They could be at the Rootin’ Tootin’ soda shop but no. Cars come over the hill from Cawston, cars come south from Osoyoos and use the back roads to make connections. Very hard to investigate.
As to the young distributors – there are those on bikes for sure – just an innocent operation, young offender if caught.
It really comes down to parenting. 99 percent of us pay for the 1% that are in the courts, arrested for serious crime, or incarcerated.
Shirley Zelinski says
From the most recent info I can gather, the average murder rate in Canada is 1.75 approx. for 100,000 people. I believe the combined population of Oliver, RDOS area and THE OIB is approx 12,000. Correct me if I am wrong. We have had 3 murders and one highly suspicious (not suspicious) death in less than the last three years. That means the Oliver area rate is approx 8 times, not double, but 8 times higher than average in this country. It is about time our local overworked force has the help it needs. This area has organized crime that has developed over decades, and the quicker it is dealt with, the better the entire community will be for all who live here and visit. I for one have heard more than once of elementary students being approached by 17 year old and younger drug runners ( so they aren’t tried in adult court if caught). It is part of organized crime. It has been happening for too long, and I feel the youth in this community don’t stand a chance. Hopefully the vast majority of good people in the area can help do something about it.
Lynne Thompson says
I “heard” the fire cause was a bird on a wire another joined it and they “touched” and poof fallen flaming fricasse . What reason for Gang enforcement? Wait for next installment ?? By the way beautiful first day of summer..
Publisher: Most likely a gang of “birds”.
Carolyn Tipler says
The birds are not in contact with the ground so they will not get shocked neither will they cause a fire.
Publisher: Lynny is a prankster, Carolyn. She is funnin’ us.
Jailbird: A prisoner, an inmate, a convict, an habitual criminal, someone with more than one experience of prison as an inmate and not as a guard or warden, a lifer, a felon.
Carolyn Tipler says
Good to know, thanks Jack and yes I do appreciate Lynn’s humour will watch for it in her future comments we all need some joshing now and again.