Vernon firefighters extinguish two blazes in downtown park

Firefighters extinguished two wildfires this afternoon in a downtown Vernon park.

According to a city of Vernon media release, the two fires broke out on the east side of Becker Park today, June 5. One fire was roughly 1,500 square feet in size while the other was around 750 square feet.

"Thanks to a quick and organized response by crews, both fires were extinguished within approximately 15 minutes of being reported," Vernon Fire Rescue deputy fire Chief Alan Hofsink said in the release. "Once the fires were out, crews started to mop up the scene and checked for hot spots. We’re thankful to say no structures were threatened during the incident."

The city says the fires were human-caused but accidental, and no injuries were reported.

The fire danger rating in Vernon is at high today.

"Today’s incident serves as a good reminder that conditions are hot and very dry right now," Hofsink said.

The city is reminding people that if they see a fire within city limits to immediately call 911. To report a wildfire, call BC Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555 or dial *5555 on a cellphone.

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