Christina Lake Fire/Rescue

10/08/2026

Ever grabbed your phone from under your pillow while it was charging and found it surprisingly hot? Maybe had your laptop charging on your lap and get a little too warm for comfort?

Charging devices generate heat, and a little warmth while charging can be normal. What we're talking about here is something different. If a device becomes unusually or excessively hot, particularly if that's a change from how it normally behaves, stop charging it and pay attention. Swelling, changing shape or colour, unusual smells, popping or hissing noises, or smoke are other warning signs that something isn't right.

And please, please, please don't charge your phone or other devices on soft surfaces, or buried under things that can trap heat or restrict airflow. Beds, couches, pillows and blankets can all contribute to heat buildup around a charging device.
Charge on a hard surface like a table, desk or floor, and somewhere you can be alerted if something goes wrong.

10/06/2026

What do your phone, cordless drill, and e-bike or scooter have in common? While they may all use lithium-ion batteries, that doesn’t mean each battery has the same risk.

Different devices use different sizes and configurations of batteries, store different amounts of energy, and aren't necessarily going to behave the same way when something goes wrong. That’s why it’s worth giving a little more thought to what you’re charging, particularly larger devices like e-bikes, scooters and power tools. What the device is, and where you get the battery — including second-hand batteries — matters.

Once again, don’t just take our word for it; there’s some interesting science behind this one too! A recent study looking at real-world lithium-ion battery fires found important differences in how fires occurred and their consequences depending on the type of device involved.

What does that mean at home? Know what you're charging and give it the respect it deserves. Use the right battery and charger, don't use damaged or modified batteries, be cautious with third-party or second-hand batteries, and keep charging away from exits and things that can burn.

Lithium-ion batteries are incredibly useful and are likely here to stay. Being aware of the risks, and the simple things you can do to reduce them, can help keep them safe in our daily lives.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10694-026-01876-5

10/04/2026

Today is the kick-off to Fire Prevention Week, and the first order of business is discussing chargers.

How many times have you had that brand-name charger that came with your electronic device fail, only to buy a third-party cord or universal charging device?

Using the right chargers designed for and compatible with your devices is important. Damaged, knockoff, or improperly matched chargers can lack the important protections against overheating, overcharging, and limiting current.

Don’t just take our word for it. There is some interesting science behind this one; believe it when we say, we love science! UL Research Institutes explains that compatible batteries and chargers essentially communicate to establish appropriate charging conditions. A mismatched charger may not communicate with the battery properly, potentially creating unsafe charging conditions, and reducing the battery's lifespan.

We recognize that compatible chargers aren't always convenient and can sometimes cost more, making a less costly option more enticing. But, when you go looking for your next charger to buy, ask yourself: is it worth the gamble?

Always look for certified chargers - and stay away from ones that are not.

https://ul.org/research-updates/universal-chargers-and-safety/

09/22/2026

Christina Lake Fire Rescue provides fire protection and emergency services within Electoral Area C/Christina Lake as part of the Christina Lake Fire

09/01/2026

As we enter the twilight of summer, Category 1 Recreational Campfires will once again be allowed, effective tomorrow at noon.

As always, it is incumbent on the person burning to be familiar and compliant with the requirements for burning.

Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) Pacific Time on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Category 1 campfires will be permitted throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, which includes the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District and the Selkirk Natural Resource District.

Other activities which were previously included in the Category 1 campfire prohibition (The use of sky lanterns, and the use of wood fired hot tubs, wood fired pizza ovens and other wood fired devices unless vented through a structure that has a flue and is incorporated in a building) will now be permitted in the Southeast Fire Centre.

Category 2 and 3 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation remains prohibited.

Find more information here: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/category-1-campfire-prohibition-to-be-rescinded-in-the-southeast-fire-centre-2/

08/28/2026

Changes to the current ORV prohibition take effect at noon tomorrow.

Effective tomorrow, Friday August 28, at noon PDT the Off Road Vehicle (ORV) prohibition is rescinded in the Southeast, Cariboo, Coastal and Kamloops Fire Centres.

We recognize that ORVs play an important role in recreation, hunting and accessing the outdoors for many. Restrictions are only considered when multiple factors indicate an elevated wildfire risk, heightened wildfire activity and limited capacity to respond to new fire starts.

With improving conditions in some regions of B.C., and cooler wetter weather in the forecast we are now able to rescind these prohibitions. We continue to monitor wildfire risk and prohibitions may be implemented or rescinded as conditions change.

We appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by ORV users during this period. We know many riders take fire prevention seriously and recreate responsibly on established roads and trails. If you're returning to the backcountry, we ask for your support in reporting any new wildfires through our app or by calling *5555.

For more information: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/category/information-bulletins/

08/23/2026

On Friday morning, three members of Christina Lake Fire Rescue (L-R: FF Austen Bodanis, Capt. Sandy Hagel, FF Sasha Tyoschin) departed in Car 361, outfitted as a Type 6 engine, to assist with structure defense efforts as part of the provincial wildfire response. They are currently assigned to the Big Bar Complex.

This summer has already seen several CLFR members deploy across the province on structure protection assignments, supporting communities, building relationships, and gaining valuable experience along the way.

Deployments give us an opportunity to help communities in need and work alongside personnel who may one day be called upon to support ours. They also provide valuable real-world experience, strengthen relationships across the fire service, and bring resources back to our own service. In turn, these opportunities strengthen our team and our community while supporting the broader fire service.

Our decision to participate in deployments is always a calculated one. Maintaining our ability to respond at home remains the priority while taking advantage of opportunities that also benefit our members and our service. We consider a number of factors when making those decisions including local staffing and apparatus capacity, current and anticipated fire conditions, and anticipated weather. To ensure we maintained comparable wildland response capability locally, we outfitted another truck which remains to support Christina Lake and our partners throughout the Boundary region should the need arise.

We wish our members, and everyone working across the province, a safe remainder of their deployment.