Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Members of the Falkland Fire Department with Wildland 3 (Image Credit: Columbia Shuswap Regional District)
By Vernon Matters staff
Great timing

Successful baptism of fire for new Falkland Fire Truck

Aug 7, 2026 | 4:00 PM

It was a literal baptism of fire for a brand new emergency vehicle in the Columbia Shuswap.

It only took an hour for the Falkland Fire Department’s new wildland firefighting truck to be put into action.

Last Saturday, during the high winds that fanned the Bradley Creek wildfire, the truck responded to a downed hydro line that sparked a grass fire near Highway 97.

The Falkland Fire Department activated a full department response and contained the fire before any structures or property were damaged.

The vehicle, known as Wildland 3, hadn’t even been in its new parking spot for an hour before the call came in.

$6.97M for Sewer Hook-Ups
Federal funds for sewer connections at Coldstream residences
Aug 04, 2026
6:30 a.m. starts
Vernon work crews to start earlier to avoid heat
Aug 03, 2026
Underground Utility Work
Ricardo Road in Coldstream temporarily closing for infrastructure work
Aug 01, 2026

Falkland Fire Chief Troy Ricard had just driven it from the manufacturer in the Lower Mainland.

“Sometimes timing is everything,” said Derek Sutherland, the CSRD’s General Manager of Community and Protective Services. “We are proud of the Falkland Fire Department’s quick response and professionalism. And we are so glad this new tool is helping them to do their job even more effectively than before.”

Purchased this spring, the specialized truck was selected to meet the needs of the Falkland Fire Protection Area. Modifications were also made so the vehicle can be used year-round, including during the winter months.

by Vernon Matters staff
View Comments

Other Matters

Giving help
Vernon Emergency Support Services help thousands
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.Ove...
A few minutes ago
Read More
Great timing
Successful baptism of fire for new Falkland Fire Truck
It was a literal baptism of fire for a brand new emergency vehicle in the Columbia Shuswap.It only took an hour for the Falkland Fire Department's new wildland firefighting truck to be put into action.Last Saturday, during the high winds that fanned the Bradley Creek wildfire, the truck responded to a downed hydro line...
1h ago
Read More
Temporary Closure
Discovery Way pedestrian bridge to close for maintenance work
A pedestrian bridge crossing John Hindle Drive will be temporarily closed next week for routine maintenance.The City of Kelowna says the Discovery Way pedestrian bridge will close starting Monday, Aug. 10, for about one week while crews apply a protective coating to the bridge deck.The sealant helps prevent moisture an...
2h ago
Read More
Community service
Vernon volunteer earns B.C. medal
Vernon resident Debra Bourdages has been awarded the B.C. Medal of Good Citizenship for her community service.She has spent almost 50 years volunteering with groups across the North Okanagan, supporting seniors, youth and families at the NexusBC Community Resource Centre.NexusBC says Bourdages' compassion and commitmen...
5h ago
Read More
Fall programs
Recreation registration opens
The City of Kelowna is opening registration next week for its fall recreation programs.Hundreds of activities are available, including swim lessons, fitness classes, sports, arts and children's programs.Registration starts next Tuesday, with details available through the City of Kelowna recreation website.
6h ago
Read More
Fire Bug?
Kelowna RCMP investigating suspected arson
Kelowna RCMP are asking for the public's help as they investigate a series of suspicious fires believed to have been intentionally set in Gopher Creek Linear Park.Police say several small fires were discovered in the Black Mountain area on Aug. 5 at about 5:30 p.m.Park users and nearby residents spotted the fires and w...
6h ago
Read More
Dry Region
Okanagan drought reaches highest level as water supplies hit record lows
The Okanagan's drought situation is worsening, with the province moving the region to its highest drought classification as lakes, streams and groundwater supplies continue to fall to record lows.The Okanagan has been placed at Drought Level 5, the highest level possible, while the Water Scarcity Index has been rated h...
6h ago
Read More
Anticipating Growth
Bradley Creek wildfire could see increased growth as winds pick up this weekend
Fire crews are working to strengthen containment lines around the out-of-control Bradley Creek wildfire as changing and gusty winds could fuel increased fire activity heading into the weekend.The wildfire, discovered July 31, has grown to an estimated 2,853 hectares and remains classified as a Wildfire of Note.Conditio...
7h ago
Read More
price changes
Home price increases across North Okanagan
There have been some price increases for housing sales in the North Okanagan, which includes Vernon.The Association of Interior Realtors says the benchmark price for a single family home was up 1.9 per cent at $782,100, compared to July last year.Townhouses are up 3.2 per cent at $561,000, although condos dipped by alm...
7h ago
Read More

What Matters

$6.97M for Sewer Hook-Ups
Federal funds for sewer connections at Coldstream residences
Aug 04, 2026
6:30 a.m. starts
Vernon work crews to start earlier to avoid heat
Aug 03, 2026
Underground Utility Work
Ricardo Road in Coldstream temporarily closing for infrastructure work
Aug 01, 2026
Smoke Stress
People urged to look after their mental health in smoky conditions
Jul 31, 2026
Wildfire Smoke
Air quality warnings issued due to smoke in the Okanagan
Jul 31, 2026