Crews douse grass fire near Vernon home, discarded cigarette may have sparked it

Firefighters actioned the blaze and stopped it before it reached some bushes adjacent to the structure.

RCMP Cpl. Tania Finn said two people passing by saw the smoke and attempted to control the flames prior to the emergency crews arriving in order to limit the spread.

“The fire investigator was unable to determine a cause of the fire; however, suspected a discarded cigarette may have been responsible. No suspects or suspect vehicles were identified,” Finn, a media relations officer, told Vernon Matters.

Finn noted under Section 3(1) of the BC Wildlife Act, it is an offence to drop, release or mishandle a burning substance and violators may be charged a $575 fine.

“Even though we have seen rain, conditions remain incredibly dry throughout the North Okanagan,” Deputy Chief Alan Hofsink said. “This event is a reminder of how quickly a grass fire can spread. We are asking everyone to remain cautious and vigilant.”

No injuries were reported.

The incident created traffic chaos for the afternoon commute as 27th Street was closed near the Catholic Church and St. James School.

27th Street is closed off to vehicles during the fire incident (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters photo)

UPDATE 4:49 p.m.

The fire is said to be under control.

Original story

Vernon Fire Rescue is responding to a grass fire at 27th Street near Highway 6.

It was first dispatched at 4:30 p.m. Monday and was described as going up the hill and near structures.

It is creating a lot of smoke which can be seen around the area.

Vernon Matters has a reporter going to the scene.

by Pete McIntyre

Crews douse grass fire near Vernon home, discarded cigarette may have sparked it

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