Wildfires

EVACUATION ALERT INFORMATION

If an Evacuation Alert has been issued for your area, it is time to prepare yourself and your family to evacuate your premises or property should it be necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g., insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
Residents should arrange accommodations with family or friends before an Evacuation Order.
Hook up all recreational vehicles and trailers.
Check on neighbours and work together as communities.
Individuals with transportation issues or facing barriers to mobility and movement should be alerted and a plan developed. These individuals should consider evacuating in advance of an actual order.
Arrange transportation for all your household members. Ensure all personal vehicles are fully fuelled.
Move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
Have an evacuation plan in place and communicated that plan with people living in the residence and neighbours.
When an Evacuation Order is issued, please implement your plan and leave the area immediately.
Monitor the City of Vernon website at vernon.ca and social media channels (@CityofVernon on Facebook, Instagram), as well as local news outlets for updates and further information.

NEW BC Wildfire Reporting App

The official BC Wildfire Service mobile app is now available, providing real-time wildfire information and an interactive map that users can customize to display a variety of fire-related data.

The new app is one of many proactive initiatives undertaken by the BC Wildfire Service to give members of the public, media and stakeholders access to consistent, accurate and timely wildfire information throughout the province.

The BC Wildfire Service mobile app is available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices and is free to download in the App Store and Google Play.

Android: The BC Wildfire Service mobile app can be downloaded at Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.bc.gov.WildfireInformation
Apple (iOS): The BC Wildfire Service mobile app can be downloaded from the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bc-wildfire-service/id1477675008?ls=1

Wildfires information websites

Terminology

The Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource District (DOS) has partnered with the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), and BC Timber Sales Okanagan-Columbia (BCTS) to carry out a Wildfire Risk Reduction, Ecosystem Restoration and Habitat Enhancement project in the East Side Road and Ellison Park area. (Map)

It is the intent of the project to establish fuel breaks around communities and recreation facilities on the North East Shore of Okanagan Lake, while enhancing ungulate habitat and restoring ecosystems back to a more natural state.

Click HERE for more information on this project.
The Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource District (DOS) has partnered with the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), and BC Timber Sales Okanagan-Columbia (BCTS) to carry out a Wildfire Risk Reduction, Ecosystem Restoration and Habitat Enhancement project in the East Side Road and Ellison Park area. (Map)

It is the intent of the project to establish fuel breaks around communities and recreation facilities on the North East Shore of Okanagan Lake, while enhancing ungulate habitat and restoring ecosystems back to a more natural state.

Click HERE for more information on this project.
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.
Residents can 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

To learn more about FireSmart
- visit https://firesmartbc.ca/
- Home Owners FireSmart Manual (PDF, 3.72MB)
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; and,
- making plans for pet care.
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.