Vernon Hosting More Fire Evacuees

More evacuees from fire zones have shown up In Vernon.

City of Vernon Emergency Social Services have registered 550 evacuees from Williams Lake and other areas affected by provincial wildfires.

At this time, all of the evacuees are being billeted by friends or family in the area.

The City has been asked to prepare group lodging for up to 800 evacuees.

Two group lodging sites have been established at the Vernon Curling Rink and the Civic Arena for evacuees needing accommodation, with other sites being determined by the City.

The ESS reception centre is located the Dogwood Gym in the Vernon Recreation Centre (3310 37 Avenue) and is operational from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Evacuees arriving after hours can call 250.309.0638.

Red Cross Services are onsite to register evacuees.

Evacuees can also register with the Red Cross by calling 1.800.863.6582. Other support services including RCMP Victim Services, Salvation Army, St. John’s Ambulance and Service Canada are on site.

Donations for evacuees are being accepted by the Salvation Army House of Hope (3303 32 Avenue, located behind Staples).

All donations (including clothing, food and monetary) should be dropped off to this location from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please specify that the donation is for fire relief when dropping off items to ensure they are directed toward evacuees.

Please note that the Salvation Army cannot accept any food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen that has Food Safe designation.