Crews were able to quickly put out a fire in a backyard compost bin in Kamloops this afternoon.

Kamloops Fire Rescue Platoon Capt. Darryl Cooper says the fire stirred up black smoke after burning compost and three cedars, in the backyard of 700 Arbutus Street near downtown. Crews were called there at around 1 p.m., and contained the small fire to the backyard of the home.

Cooper says the homeowner was burning weeds with a blow torch in his yard before the fire happened. He says the exact cause is still being determined, and he points out compost can sometimes spontaneously combust depending on what is in the pile.

He says homeowners should be cognizant that conditions are still hot and dry throughout Kamloops.

(Photo: Angelica Monroy)