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By Vernon Matters staff
Giving help

Vernon Emergency Support Services help thousands

Aug 7, 2026 | 5:27 PM

The City of Vernon’s Emergency Support Services team has now assisted over 2,600 evacuees from over 1,200 households affected by the Bradley Creek wildfire.

Since opening, the ESS Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place has helped residents access emergency accommodations, food supports, information, and other assistance.

Over 1,200 have been offered direct help at the ESS Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place, while nearly a further 1,400 have received assistance through online and phone registration processes.

The Reception Centre remains open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for evacuees requiring in-person assistance.

The City said it had received an overwhelming response from community members interested in volunteering and helping their neighbours. ESS is a provincial program, and volunteer intake includes orientation and training to ensure volunteers are prepared to support emergency response.

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Serving as an ESS volunteer is a meaningful year-round commitment that helps strengthen our community’s readiness before, during, and after emergencies.

While formal volunteer intake will take place in the fall, the City is collecting names from residents interested in joining the ESS program. Residents can add their name to the volunteer interest list.

by Vernon Matters staff
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