Fish falls from sky and ignites fire in British Columbia

In a surprising incident that took place near Ashcroft, British Columbia, firefighters were called to respond to a significant brush fire that sparked due to an unforeseen cause. On July 30, 2025, they arrived to find a group of ranchers and utility employees actively working to control the flames. Upon investigation, fire officials revealed the bizarre origin of the blaze: a fish had been dropped onto a power line by an osprey, a bird known for its fishing abilities. The nearest river was approximately two miles away, raising questions about the fish's unexpected journey and how it ended up in that location. The local firefighting team found that as the osprey released the fish midflight, the fish was heavy enough to disrupt the power line. This disruption ignited sparks that fell onto the dry grass below, culminating in a brush fire that demanded an emergency response. Firefighters utilized around 4,800 gallons of water to extinguish the flames, mitigating the damage caused by the quick spread of the fire in the hot, dry conditions of the area. Fortunately, no one was harmed during this unusual event. Ospreys are typically found near bodies of water where they hunt for fish. Their nesting habits often lead them to reside in trees or tall structures, giving them a vantage point for spotting prey. While the fire department took a humorous approach in their communications regarding the incident, indicating that the osprey might be held for questioning due to the flight risk it posed, they made clear that the bird was uninjured and remained in the wild. The incident has since captured the attention of local residents and social media users, with many sharing the oddity of a fish causing a fire from the sky. In light of this specific event, the Ashcroft fire department recognized the collaborative efforts of the community, including ranchers and utility workers who helped combat the fire. Their swift actions were essential in preventing the fire from escalating into a larger catastrophe. Additionally, the fire department expressed their gratitude to those who assisted in fighting the blaze, reinforcing the importance of community support in emergency situations. This quirky story serves as a reminder of nature's unpredictability and the sometimes humorous accidents that can occur in a world where wildlife and human infrastructure intersect.