Editor, The Times:
Last week, Wednesday July 6 to be specific, I went up to one of my favourite lakes to do some afternoon fishing. Lolo Lake is one of the most pristine lakes near Clearwater, beautifully surrounded by a vibrant and green forest with abundant wildlife.
To my horror when I arrived at the lake, there was smoke arising from one of the fireboxes near the water. I didn't put the fire out because I wanted to show my fishing partner who was to arrive shortly how careless people can be.
I observed the fire as I was unloading my gear. Within 10 minutes the wind turned that smoke into flames. I then put the fire out completely with five pails of water.
It is obvious that somebody left that fire without taking extreme care in making sure it was extinguished properly. Now I ask you, are you just plain stupid, do you just not care about fire prevention, or is it both?
If it was somebody who does not live in the area, he or she will not see this letter. But if it was a local who did this I hope you read this and take it seriously.
We dodged a bullet this time but for goodness sake please be careful with your campfires. We simply cannot have another McLure fire or a Fort McMurray situation in the North Thompson or anywhere else.
An avid fly fisherman
Jerry Carter
Clearwater, B.C.