Local residents answer the call to help fire evacuees

The City of Vernon has seen an overwhelming response from volunteers wanting to help wildfire evacuees.

The city put out a call for more help at its emergency support service reception centre earlier this month, leading to an additional 200 volunteers being trained for various duties.

The centre has been operating since August 1 to welcome and assist residents from neighbouring communities who have been evacuated due to the White Rock Lake fire. As the wildfire situation has evolved and evacuation orders have become necessary throughout the region, the Vernon ESS Reception Centre has received and registered more than 1,600 evacuees.

“This really only tells a piece of the story,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “Although more than 1,600 people have registered at the Vernon location, our dedicated team of volunteers have processed hundreds of more requests for assistance as service referrals have had to be renewed or other reception centres have requested help. This has been a difficult time for many people and our volunteers have made a big and positive difference in many lives.”