A suspected impaired driver has been hit with an Immediate Roadside Prohibition after their vehicle crashed and ignited a small wildfire near Nicola Lake on Sunday, June 29.

According to Merritt RCMP, officers responded to a single-vehicle crash along Highway 5A shortly after 6:00 p.m., at the northern tip of Nicola Lake, just after the vehicle veered off the road and caught fire—sparking flames that quickly spread to nearby brush.

Witnesses at the scene told police that the driver had swerved to avoid a fox before losing control and hitting the ditch. The resulting fire started within the vehicle and then extended to the surrounding area.

During the on-scene investigation, RCMP suspected the driver was impaired by alcohol. When asked to provide a breath sample, the driver refused. As a result, officers issued an Immediate Roadside Prohibition under B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act.

The driver is now barred from driving for 90 days and their vehicle has been impounded for 30 days.

“There is zero leniency when it comes to impaired driving,” said Const. Blake Chursinoff of Merritt RCMP. “We’re thankful to BC Wildfire for their quick response in containing the blaze, and to the members of the public who remained on scene to assist our investigation.”

RCMP confirmed that the driver is not currently under investigation for starting the wildfire.