(file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

Bella Vista Grass Fire

Fireworks suspected in Canada Day grass fire

Jul 2, 2025 | 12:26 PM

A fire that ignited in the Bella Vista neighbourhood on Canada Day is under investigation.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said police assisted Vernon Fire Rescue Services at a scene of a grass fire around 11 p.m. July 1. The fire was contained before any structures were put at risk.

“Evidence gathered at the scene led police to believe illegal fireworks were the cause,” Cpl. Tania Finn, Media Relations Officer with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, said.

“The evidence was seized for testing by our Forensic Identification Section.”

Witness reports indicated the fire was believed to have been started between 10:40 and 10:50 p.m., and that two people on a dirt bike wearing full face helmets were seen in the area at the time.

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Anyone with information relating to the fire is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-545-7171, or to file an anonymous report with Crime Stoppers online or at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).