Castlegar Fire department reports increase in fires in 2023

The Castlegar area saw an uptick in fire-related calls last year.

There were 119 fires reported compared to 81 the year prior.

Of those fires, 62 were reported to the office of the BC Fire Commissioner.

All fires that have caused damage to property, injuries or fatalities, or that required fire department resources to suppress, must be reported to the commissioner.

Forty-four were outdoor fires, 16 were structure fires and the remaining two were vehicle fires.

Forty-four were considered suspicious/arson.