Emergency crews respond to two lightning-caused fires in Vernon area

VERNON – The Vernon Fire Department received more than 500 calls in one hour Tuesday evening after lightning sparked at least two fires in and around the city.

Vernon Fire and Rescue Services Captain Colin Clarke says 911 calls started coming in at 8:30 p.m. July 17 as a storm swept in. Crews were first called out to a fire in 1200 block of 25 Avenue, near Vernon Secondary School, after lightning struck a power pole and set fire to a hedge and a fence. He says residents responded by putting sprinklers on the fire, helping to keep it from spreading. A video shows bystanders using hoses to douse the smoky blaze. That fire is now under control, Clarke says, with B.C. Hydro attending the scene.

Another fire started in the BX area, on what locals refer to as Vernon Mountain. That fire is in the area of Hartnell Road and Lynx Road and is outside the jurisdiction of the City of Vernon. According to Clarke, B.C. Wildfire and BX-Swan Lake Fire Department are working on that fire.

B.C. Wildfire Service was unable to provide any details about the fire when contacted by iNFOnews.ca, but said on Facebook there are no known threats to structures.

Clarke says the Vernon Fire Department had to bring in extra staff to keep up with the high volume of calls Tuesday night. He says if anyone observes a new fire to report it immediately, however assures the public that emergency crews are already well aware of the Vernon Mountain fire, which continues to generate numerous calls. 

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