Wildfires

Ensure your household has an emergency plan in place, including a designated meeting point in the event of an evacuation. Review evacuation routes, and have multiple ways to receive emergency notifications. Keep important documents, medications, and other essentials in a grab-and-go bag for each family member. Practice your evacuation plan regularly so everyone knows what to do when an emergency strikes.

• Learn how to make your emergency plan

During an emergency, the City will share important updates through email notifications, the Alertable app and the City's social media channels.

• Sign up for City of Vernon emergency alert notifications through Alertable
• Sign up for email notifications
• Follow us on Facebook

Wildland fires can occur when dry fuel meets an ignition source. With summers in BC being hot and dry and our forests full of dry combustible fuels, an ignition source such as dry lightning, abandoned campfires and carelessly discarded cigarette butts can start wildland fires.

Although wildfire is a natural occurrence necessary for overall forest health, it can be disastrous when this type of fire nears homes and neighbourhoods.

FireSmart is a program designed to help homeowners and communities reduce the risk of wildfire damage. By implementing FireSmart principles, you can take proactive steps to protect your property and your neighborhood from the devastating effects of wildfires. FireSmart focuses on creating defensible space around homes, using fire-resistant materials, and managing vegetation to limit the spread of fire. It’s an essential part of wildfire preparedness, and every action you take can make a difference in reducing the overall fire risk.

To learn more about FireSmart, visit:

•  FireSmartBC.ca
• Home Owners FireSmart Manual (PDF, 3.72MB)

Residents can also reduce risk of wildfires starting and/or spreading in the neighbourhood, by exercising care with ignition sources such as briquette barbeques, fire pits and cigarettes and managing or removing potential combustibles near structures.

Vernon's fire prevention regulations are found in the Fire Services Bylaw #5635.

City of Vernon Fire Services Bylaw #5635

Personal preparedness is about taking the necessary steps to ensure you and your family are ready to respond to emergencies. This includes having a well-thought-out emergency plan, assembling a grab-and-go bag with essential items to last at least 72 hours, and knowing evacuation routes. It’s important to stay informed through local alerts through Alertable, and to be aware of the specific risks in your area. 

Being prepared means you can act quickly and confidently, reducing stress and ensuring the safety of your loved ones during a crisis.

Residents can also take steps to be better prepared for possibility of fires by

• Researching insurance coverage for fire damage and losses
• Preplanning for family if required to be out of the home
• Preparing a Grab and Go Bag
•  PreparedBC: Pet Emergency Plan
• Alert Canada: Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team

To learn more about preparing for wildfire visit the following sites:

• PreparedBC: Wildfire Preparedness Guide
• Get Prepared for a Wildfire in British Columbia

Wildfire Smoke can also be problematic, causing poor air quality and potential health impacts particularly for more vulnerable populations such as children, older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

To learn more about wildfire smoke visit the following link from the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Outdoor air quality issues are regulated by the BC Ministry of Environment and the BC Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health makes recommendations on standards, objectives and regulations on outdoor air quality affecting human health.

Public education is readily available through a variety of websites and Public Service announcements (PSA) provided through the Ministry of Health. Local government to support the messaging through social media and emergency update capacities.