Vernon firefighters move quickly to contain aggressive grass fire south of town

VERNON, B.C. – Forestry and fire crews in Vernon, B.C., had to scramble to deal with an aggressive grass fire that broke out south of the city.

A request for a water bomber was issued shortly after the blaze was spotted at about 9:30 a.m.

Heavy smoke was reported in the area just north of Vernon’s landfill, not far from several radio and television transmitters and overlooking the Vernon army camp, now used as a cadet training centre.

Crews managed to contain the flames within an hour and only about a hectare of grassland was scorched.

Speedy response and a lack of wind are credited for helping firefighters get the upper hand.

A blaze last week threatened two homes and a Vernon-area golf resort after a teen tested a lighter and accidentally ignited dry grass, burning nearly 40 hectares before the flames were contained. (CKIZ)