I read with interest the ongoing pass-the-buck saga that Bill and Shirley Barker are experiencing in Gleneden, thanks to the inconsiderate actions of John Olsen, and the apparent reluctance of those involved to do anything about it.
You should know that this story is not the only case of a fire/health impasse in Salmon Arm.
For the past several years, the residents of lower Hillcrest have been plagued by the operation of a burn barrel in the vicinity of Auto Road and 20th Street SE.
This barrel, which seems to be fed a daily diet of wood and garbage, starts up almost every evening at about 8 and continues to spew its toxic smoke to the adjacent residents, even when the fire hazard rating is high or extreme and when any burning is prohibited within city limits.
In spite of calls to 911, the fire department and the City of Salmon Arm, the operation of this barrel continues so as to prevent those living downwind from opening up their houses in the summer months in order to cool things down.
Surely there must be a solution to these incidents of outdoor burning, whether they occur in Gleneden or in Salmon Arm.
I would urge others who consider that their health and safety are at risk by this apparent lack of regulation to contact Interior Health, the fire department, the City of Salmon Arm and even Ministry of the Environment, so that this issue of toxic smoke can be quantified and dealt with.
Paul Burrows