UPDATE: Almost all homes in City of Vernon included in evacuation alert due to White Rock Lake Fire

Vernon Fire Rescue Services will be strategically circulating along Tronson Road and stationed through Adventure Bay and Canadian Lakeview Estates throughout the evening of August 6, in the event of spot fires.

Residents under Evacuation Alert are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of evacuation. That includes arranging accommodations prior to an Evacuation Order. Hooking up all recreational vehicles and trailers before an Evacuation Order is issued, and having an evacuation plan in place and communicating that plan with family, friends and neighbours.

The City of Vernon is asking that all residents maintain a heightened awareness of the evolving situation over the next 48 hours, watch for spot fires caused by embers—and everyone should be prepared in advance for a potential Evacuation Order.

The City of Vernon would like to thank all residents for their cooperation and understanding during this evolving situation.

Please continue to monitor the City of Vernon website and social media channels for updates.

Website: https://www.vernon.ca

Facebook: @CityofVernon

Twitter: @CityofVernon

Vernon homes put on evacuation alert due to White Rock Lake Fire
Aug 6, 2021 | 4:10 PM

The City of Vernon is the latest community to issue an evacuation alert due to the White Rock Lake Fire.

The alert covers areas northeast of Okanagan Lake, with concerns the massive fire could spark other ember fires.

“The City of Vernon is closely monitoring the situation and has issued the Evacuation Alert advising residents in the Canadian Lake View Estates, Adventure Bay, Tronson Road, The Rise, Turtle Mountain and Blue Jay communities to be on heightened alert and prepare for the possibility of evacuation,” city staff said.

Residents in the identified areas are being asked to prepare for an immediate evacuation should an evacuation order be issued. That includes arranging accommodations prior to an evacuation order. Hooking up all recreational vehicles and trailers before an evacuation order is issued, and having an evacuation plan in place and communicating that plan with people living in the residents and neighbours.

The BC Wildfire Service is warning that the White Rock Lake wildfire is displaying increasingly aggressive fire behaviour, which may result in ember showers that could results in spot fires.

“Large fires like the White Rock Lake wildfire often create their own weather patterns. Sometimes with that comes an increase in debris being cast across a significant distance. Sometimes that debris can be large enough and hot enough to create an ember fire,” said Fire Chief David Lind.

Residents should be advised Vernon Fire Rescue Services will be strategically stationed along Tronson Road in the event of spot fires. Crews will be positioned along Tronson Road and circulating through Adventure Bay and Canadian Lakeview Estates throughout the afternoon and evening of August 6.

Residents can take steps to help mitigate the risk of ember fires starting on a property or near a home. Keep a garden hose ready.

These steps are important and if not done so yet, should be acted upon immediately.

Start by removing branches, leaves, pine needles, and other combustible materials from your roof, gutters, balconies, doorways, windowsills, etc., paying particular attention to corners or other tight spots where debris tends to gather
Clear all combustible plants (potted or hanging), leaves, weeds, etc. from within 10 metres of your home
Remove all flammable furniture, toys, decorations, plants, etc. from your deck, applying the same 10-metre standard or moving them inside the house or garage. If your deck has a crawlspace beneath it, clear combustibles from there, too
Mow any grass within the same 10-metre distance, preferably to a length of 10 centimetres or less
Create a 1.5-metre non-combustible zone around the entire structure by raking and/or sweeping down to mineral soil, rock, or concrete
Any moveable propane tanks should be kept at least 10 metres from your home. For stationary models, be sure to remove any leaves or other combustible materials from around the tank
Any motor vehicles (cars, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, campers etc.) should be parked inside the garage or at least 10 metres from the house
If the property has a combustible fence attached to the home, secure the gate in an open position and clear away any vegetation or other flammable material from both sides of the fence
Check all exterior vents to make sure they are properly screened and in good condition. Cover up any damaged or questionable vents with duct tape or metal tape
The 10-metre rule also applies to woodpiles, but since moving larger ones can take hours, you may want to save this step for last
Most of these measures also can be applied to sheds, detached garages, or other outbuildings, as well as places of business
Fill large containers of water like garbage cans or water barrels and place them at the edge of your property along with buckets, shovels and rakes.

The City of Vernon is also asking residents to check on neighbours and work together as communities. It is suggested that people with transportation issues or who face barriers to mobility and movement be alerted and a plan developed for their evacuation. These individual should consider evacuating before the event of an Evacuation Order.

Everyone is encouraged to remain vigilant and practice safe behaviours when spending time outdoors.

To report a fire within the municipal boundary, call 911 immediately. To report a wildfire, call the BC Wildfire Service at 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

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by Pete McIntyre

UPDATE: Almost all homes in City of Vernon included in evacuation alert due to White Rock Lake Fire

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