Fish Falls from Sky, Ignites Wildfire and Power Outage in Canada’s Ashcroft Village

In an incident that sounds more like folklore than fact, a fish falling from the sky sparked a brush fire and temporary power outage in Ashcroft, a rural village in British Columbia, Canada. The unexpected chain of events was triggered by an osprey dropping its slippery catch directly onto a live power line, igniting flames and raising eyebrows across the region.

How a Falling Fish Triggered a Wildfire in Canada

According to Ashcroft Fire Rescue, firefighters were dispatched to a small brush fire near the village, only to discover that the cause wasn’t electrical failure or human negligence—but a fish. A quick investigation revealed that an osprey, a local fish-hunting bird of prey, had inadvertently dropped its catch onto a hydro line. The fish made contact, sparking embers that ignited dry grass below.
The nearby river, located nearly 3 kilometers east of the fire’s origin, is believed to be where the fish was initially caught. Officials suspect that the heat of the day and the weight of the fish may have prompted the bird to release its grip mid-flight. In a humorous twist, the fire department speculated, “Maybe it was tired of raw fish and wanted to give cooked a try.”

What Was the Damage Caused by the Fish-Induced Fire?

Despite the bizarre cause, the fire was relatively contained. Fire crews used approximately 4,800 gallons of water to douse the flames, which scorched less than an acre of land. However, the incident was serious enough to knock out local power and required support from BC Hydro, local ranchers, Dawson Road Maintenance, and emergency dispatchers.
Photos released by Ashcroft Fire Rescue showed a charred patch of land and blackened brush, yet no structures were damaged, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Is This a Rare Phenomenon or Common Wildlife Behavior?

While rare, falling fish incidents have been documented globally. Ospreys and other raptors like bald eagles often nest in tall trees or utility poles and sometimes drop their prey mid-air due to fatigue, distraction, or wind. In this case, the unusual intersection of wildlife and human infrastructure sparked both a fire and a viral story.
Such incidents, though unlikely, underline the importance of wildfire preparedness in dry seasons, particularly around electrical lines and dry vegetation.

Community Response and Emergency Efforts

Ashcroft Fire Rescue praised the quick and coordinated response of everyone involved. Their social media post, filled with puns and gratitude, highlighted how teamwork from local businesses, ranchers, BC Hydro, and emergency crews helped prevent a more serious disaster.
“You are what makes putting these fires out possible!” the department wrote, reinforcing how critical community collaboration is during emergencies.

Tips to Prevent Wildfires During Dry Weather

To minimize wildfire risks during hot, dry periods, especially near wildlife habitats or electrical lines, residents are advised to: – Keep grass and vegetation trimmed and moist – Report unusual wildlife behavior near power lines – Avoid using fire or sparking tools near dry brush – Stay informed with local fire advisories and alerts – Support community fire departments with resources and training

While a fish falling from the sky might sound like the start of a fable, this Canadian tale is all too real. The oddity of the event reminds us of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of fire safety—even from above.

You Must Know:

What caused the Ashcroft fire in British Columbia?

A fish dropped by an osprey onto a live hydro line ignited embers that sparked a brush fire in Ashcroft, BC.

How much land was affected by the fire?

The fire burned less than an acre and was quickly extinguished by local fire crews using over 4,800 gallons of water.

Were there any injuries or property damage?

No injuries were reported, and no buildings were damaged. However, a temporary power outage occurred in the area.

How far was the river from where the fish was dropped?

The river, where the osprey likely caught the fish, is approximately 3 kilometers from the location where the fire started.

What type of bird was involved in the incident?

The bird was an osprey, a common fish-eating raptor found throughout British Columbia, known for its powerful flight and sharp talons.

Is this type of fire-starting event common?

No, it’s extremely rare. However, ospreys and similar birds do occasionally drop fish mid-flight, sometimes near infrastructure.