Wildfire near Vernon’s Predator Ridge caused by downed power pole

VERNON – The cause of a wildfire that put a number of Vernon residents on evacuation alert over the weekend has been determined.

The six hectare Kokanee Road wildfire near Predator Ridge was caused by a power pole that came down in strong winds on Aug. 27, deputy Vernon fire chief Lawrie Skolrood says.

“A pole actually collapsed in the wind with the power line coming down and igniting one of the trees,” Skolrood says.

The fire, which started Saturday afternoon, was brought under control by a team of firefighters from the Vernon Fire Department and B.C. Wildfire Service. An evacuation alert for 45 residences in the Sunset Properties subdivision was rescinded Sunday morning after firefighters got the blaze contained.

While the fire is now out, firefighters will remain on scene likely for the next few days checking for any remaining hotspots and gathering up equipment.

“We have a lot of work there yet,” Skolrood says.

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