Over 1,000 fire evacuees register in Vernon

The City of Vernon’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains activated at a level 3, supporting its Emergency Support Services (ESS) reception centre, while also monitoring the fire situation in the Central Okanagan and Shuswap regions.

The city has remained in close contact with neighbouring communities, BC Wildfire Service and the province.

Since August 17, Vernon’s reception centre has welcomed and registered more than 1,000 evacuees, most of whom have come from the areas around West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Westside Road, Kelowna and Lake Country. Some evacuees have also come to Vernon from the Shuswap area, near the Adams Lake fire.

“In addition to monitoring fire activities, the city has been diligent to review its own emergency response plans and staff are ready to act if something happens locally,” Vernon Fire Chief David Lind said.