(file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

5 Spot Fires

Vernon, Lake Country fire crews actioned spot fires Monday evening

Aug 6, 2024 | 2:00 PM

Local firefighters responded to spot fires sparked by Monday’s thunderstorm.

The City of Vernon said Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS), along with the Lake Country Fire Department, responded to reports of multiple lightning strikes in the Commonage/Predator Ridge area at around 8:05 p.m. August 5.

Crews from the fire departments arrived on the scene and actioned five separate small wildland fires that had sparked in the area.

The fires were quickly suppressed before they could spread.

The City of Vernon said crews were still on the scene Tuesday, monitoring the area for any additional hotspots.

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“It was the vigilance of area residents in reporting these lightning strikes that allowed crews to quickly locate and contain the fires before they could spread,” Fire Chief David Lind said.

“Reporting of lightning strikes and wildland fires is important to enable a quick response.”

The city reminds residents and visitors that conditions remain very dry, and asked that people be cautious so their own activities do not cause a fire, and be vigilant of any fire activity.

Fires within city limits can be reported to 911, and wildfires should be reported to the B.C. Wildfire Service toll-free at 1-800-663-5555, by dialing *5555 on a cell phone, or through the BCWS app.