Vernon firefighters kept busy with weekend fires

Jul 31, 2023 | 3:15 PM

Local firefighters had a busy weekend responding to a half dozen fire calls.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) said members attended three fires Saturday, July 29.

The first was a small grassland fire in the 2300 block of Highway 6 just between Downtown Vernon and the Polson Mall. The second was a grassland fire near the Safeway in the 3400 block of 43rd Avenue, and the last call was for a small cedar hedge fire in the 4100 block of 34A Street in the Alexis Park area.

The work continued Sunday, July 30, when firefighters responded to a grassland fire near the Boston Pizza in the 3300 block of 37th Avenue.

Firefighters also responded to two separate open burning complaints over the weekend.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

15h ago

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

16h ago

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

18h ago

All the fires VSFR responded to were small and quickly extinguished by firefighters.

It was also believed that all the fires were human-caused.

“Thankfully each fire was quickly contained before it could spread,” Deputy Fire Chief Alan Hofsink said.

“However, this serves as another strong reminder that conditions remain extremely dry and it only takes a small spark to create a dangerous situation. We want to thank the members of our community who remain vigilant and reported these incidents and we urge everyone to use extreme caution while spending time outdoors and be fire safe.”

The Fire Danger Rating in Vernon remains at Extreme.

Anyone who sees fire activity within the city limits is advised to call 911.

Wildfires should be reported to the B.C. Wildfire Service immediately by calling 1-800-663-5555 or by dialing *5555 on a cellphone.

by Liam Verster

View Comments