Local Fires/Smoke Update

The good news is there are no new fires in the Vernon Forest Zone today — but the haze from wildfires in other areas continues to linger in our area for a third straight day.

It’s still said to be primarily coming from the Elephant Hill Fire north of Cache Creek, and from fires in Washington state.

Crews continue to work on two fire sites near Monte Lake, west of Vernon.

Information officer Max Birkner fro the BC Wildfire Service says the Martin Mountain fire north of the community, still has 75 firefighters on scene, dousing hot spots.

“It’s over a large area and its complex terrain, so they are moving through the area making sure everything is out.

That blaze  — which started a week ago — is still 150 hectares and 100 percent contained.

“The fire at the south end of Monte lake, we’ve downgraded it a little bit. We only have seven firefighters on site and it’s still being held at 3.9 hectares,” states Birkner.

The Wildfire Service says both those fires are believed to be human caused, with investigations continuing.