Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Predator Ridge fire hall (file photo)
By Liam Verster
Controlled Burns

Predator Ridge emergency wildfire system tested

Jan 22, 2024 | 11:45 AM

Smoke will be in the air in the Predator Ridge area.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services will be testing the SenseNet early wildland fire detection system by burning several brush piles in the area Monday, Jan. 22.

The system requires testing in all conditions, including when cloud levels are low.

The testing will begin at approximately 1 p.m. Monday, and residents and visitors may notice smoke from the pile burning.

The City of Vernon did not state how long the burning would take, noting the testing schedule may be adjusted to account for weather and site conditions.

Event Cancelled
Pentastic Hot Jazz & Music Festival cancelled after nearly 30 years
12h ago
Flood Hazards
Requests for proposals open for Water Reclamation bridge project
12h ago
Fire spreads to house
Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire
Apr 02, 2026

Up to 100 small sensors are being installed around the city which will be able to detect potential wildfires through the use of artificial intelligence technology. The sensors can even differentiate between campfire and wildfire smoke.

by Liam Verster
View Comments

Other Matters

Infrastructure Repairs
Bids sought for Lower BX Creek culvert repairs
The City of Vernon is looking for a company to take on an infrastructure project.The city said the twin 1850mm culvert for Lower BX Creek near 39th Avenue is failing.The culvert needs a new slipline, and also requires scour protection and restoration at the work site.The city opened applications for companies to submit...
8h ago
Read More
Lodge Renewal Project
Sovereign Lake Lodge renewal to happen in 2027
Construction of the revamped lodge at Sovereign Lake is set to happen in a year.The Sovereign Lake Lodge Legacy Committee said the schematic drawings for the renewed lodge has been prepared, and that they aligned with the needs and priorities of users and staff, while also meeting the B.C. Building Code requirements.Th...
11h ago
Read More
Event Cancelled
Pentastic Hot Jazz & Music Festival cancelled after nearly 30 years
The Pentastic Hot Jazz & Music Festival has been cancelled, bringing an end to one of the South Okanagan's longest-running music events.The board of directors for the Pentastic Jazz Society says it has made the "difficult decision" to call off what would have been the festival's 28th annual edition, citin...
12h ago
Read More
Flood Hazards
Requests for proposals open for Water Reclamation bridge project
The City of Vernon is looking for a contractor to do work as part of the upgrades to the Water Reclamation Plant.The city opened its request for proposals process as it seeks a company that could remove a pedestrian bridge and effluent pipe crossing between 25th Avenue and the facility, and to build a new pedestrian br...
13h ago
Read More
Round Two
Rockets meet top-seeded Silvertips in round two
Sixteen years later, the matchup returns, and so does the opportunity.For the first time since 2010, the Kelowna Rockets and the Everett Silvertips will meet in the WHL playoffs, setting up a second-round series filled with familiarity, history, and momentum on both sides.Round two opens this weekend in Everett, where ...
13h ago
Read More
Ski Hill Celebrations
Seismic Spring Festival goes at SilverStar this weekend
Spring skiing reaches its peak this weekend as the Seismic Spring Festival wraps up at SilverStar Mountain Resort. The festivities ramp up with the Spring Queening terrain park events Friday through Sunday, as well as multiple other events running through the weekend.Saturday, April 4Retro DaySpring QueeningSovereign2S...
Apr 04, 2026
Read More
Calling for provincial help
Regional mayors outline priorities
Regional mayors have highlighted their most pressing concerns and needs from the province.A media release from the Mayors of the Okanagan Thursday, April 2, stated a priority remained public safety, especially increased investment in crown prosecutors in the Interior.One aspect highlights a lack of a voluntary treatmen...
Apr 03, 2026
Read More
volunteers needed
Get involved in Kelowna's City of Gastronomy future
Kelowna's new international designation as a City of Gastronomy through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is moving into its next phase.That will be the formation of a new Advisory Council and upcoming opportunities for community members to get involved.Two public info sessions are planned for April 14 and you can lea...
Apr 03, 2026
Read More
Fire spreads to house
Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire
Smoke billowed over Okanagan Lake after a fire broke out in a gated community Thursday afternoon.Vernon Fire Rescue Services received a report of a grass fire at the Cameron Point community off Delcliffe Road, south of Hurlburt Park, at around 2 p.m. April 2."Upon arrival crews found a fire that had started on the...
Apr 02, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Event Cancelled
Pentastic Hot Jazz & Music Festival cancelled after nearly 30 years
12h ago
Flood Hazards
Requests for proposals open for Water Reclamation bridge project
12h ago
Fire spreads to house
Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire
Apr 02, 2026
Youth Health Services
Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon
Apr 02, 2026
Displaced For A Week
Some residents still displaced from fatal apartment fire
Apr 01, 2026