A Richmond resident is once again warning the public to keep their eyes peeled and noses in the air for a fire on the West Dike Trail.
The man, who only wanted to give his first name, Martin, told the Richmond News back in April how he investigated the campfire smell on the dike about 200 metres north of Blundell Road.
Back then, he discovered the smoldering remnants of what appeared to be a boozy campfire party, partly hidden in the trees.
This morning (Friday), Martin followed his nose once more while out for a walk and, again, it took him to the exact same spot.
“It's deja vu all over again. Same spot but no beer cans. Just food cans and toilet paper which leads me to conclude it's a homeless person(s),” he said.
“As before, the smell of smoke on the dyke was very evident and as before, it was left to smoulder.
“I called (the fire department’s) non-emergency line and was advised someone will be dispatched.
“I did some work to put out the embers. Given today’s expected high temps, better to be safe than sorry and give the area a good soak.”
Martin asked the News to spread the word and encourage people to report anything to the fire department if they smell it again.
A spokesperson for Richmond Fire Rescue said the area in question is “well known to them” and that they have “frequented it many times in the past.
“If people observe a fire or illegal burn, we ask them to call 911 immediately.
“Open fires are not allowed at any time in the City of Richmond and we appreciate the care and tenacity of the community when it comes to reporting illegal fires.”
