(File photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

Fire Rescue

Vehicle fire spreads to grass near highway

Aug 2, 2021 | 3:15 PM

An ember from a vehicle fire ignited a grass fire close to Highway 97 in Vernon this afternoon.

The City of Vernon says at around 12:50 p.m. on August 2, Vernon Fire Rescue Services was dispatched to a truck fire on Kalamalka Lakeview Drive, south of the Kal Lake Lookout. Upon arrival, firefighters found the truck and a camper fully involved.

An ember from the fire landed on nearby grass and shrubs, which started a wildland fire that started travelling towards Highway 97.

Firefighters from Vernon, Coldstream, and BC Wildfire Service are on scene, and as of 2:13 p.m., the fire is listed as being under control. RCMP are also on scene to assist with traffic management.

“At this time, northbound traffic on Highway 97 is being redirected to Commonage Rd for the safety of responders. Southbound traffic is not impacted, however, all motorists are asked to slow down when passing emergency crews,” Christy Poirier, communications manager with the city, told Vernon Matters.

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