Skip to content

Vernon residents reminded to be prepared

In wake of Monte Lake fire, Vernon residents reminded to be prepared in case of emergency
7880647_web1_170726-BPD-monte-lake-fire
Image Credit: Twitter - @SbredsFarm

UPDATE: 9 a.m.

The Martin Mountain wildfire just north of Monte Lake has grown to 150 hectares in size.

Fire Information Officer Max Birkner says 31 firefighters were working on the blaze Wednesday night, with further assistance arriving Thursday.

“We are planning to bring in more firefighters depending on the need, as well as aircraft,” says Birkner.

While Highway 97 was closed in both directions initially, it was opened to single-lane alternating traffic Thursday.

An evacuation order and alert has been issued for about 60 properties in the Monte Lake area as multiple structures are threatened on the east side of the valley. Those requiring support services such as food and accommodation can register at the Sandman Centre at 300 Lorne Street, Kamloops.

The fire is suspected to be human caused. Multiple reports on social media indicate a witness saw someone flick a cigarette out the window.

Darcy Galbraith wrote on Facebook that she saw the fire start, which she believes came from a flicked cigarette a few cars in front of her.

She said they stopped and called 911 before attempting to put out the blaze themselves with water from the car, but the fire took off up the hill.

“How do people not have enough sense to not flick your butt out the window? I wish I saw which vehicle did it,” wrote Galbraith.

Meanwhile a smoke advisory has been issued for the Shuswap due to the fire.

In Vernon, residents are reminded to be prepared for an emergency, including the possibility of evacution.

“Emergency preparation is always important, particularly in high-risk conditions such as the current hot, dry weather in the Okanagan,” said Tanya Laing Gahr, the city’s communications officer. “The evacuation orders near Monte Lake are a reminder that conditions can change quickly and having a plan and being prepared can save lives and property.”

Don’t count on being home when there’s an emergency. In addition to having one at home, create grab-and-go bags for your work and vehicles containing: food, water, flashlight and batteries, AM/FM radion, medications, blanket, clothing, cell phone charger, toiletries, first aid kit, small bills, whistle and other necessities.

Updates are available online at vernonmorningstar.com.

7880647_web1_170727-BPD-m-montelake
RCMP members continue to block off Highway 97 Thursday morning due to the Monte Lake wildfire. Image credit: Tony Butler RCMP members continue to block off Highway 97 Thursday morning due to the Monte Lake wildfire. Image credit: Tony Butler
7880647_web1_MonteLakeBUTLER
RCMP and fire crews discuss plans for the Monte Lake wildfire. Image credit: Tony Butler
7880647_web1_MONTELAKEBUTLER2
RCMP and fire crews discuss plans for the Monte Lake wildfire. Image credit: Tony Butler