Overview

• Investigators confirmed the blaze began July 30 when a fish dropped by a local osprey struck power lines about 6 km south of Ashcroft, igniting roughly an acre of dry grass.
• Firefighters from Ashcroft Fire Rescue joined utility crews from British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority and local ranchers to extinguish the flames by mid-afternoon.
• The fire briefly cut electricity to around 1,500 Ashcroft customers served by the single hydro line before BC Hydro crews restored full service.
• No injuries were reported and the osprey remained unharmed and at large, according to fire department findings.
• Officials say the incident highlights how wildlife interactions and drought-stressed vegetation can expose vulnerabilities in rural infrastructure and fire prevention efforts.