UPDATE: Crews get handle on grass fire along Highway 97 south of Vernon

VERNON – The B.C. Wildfire Service said a grass fire burning near Highway 97 is currently being held.

The roughly one-hectare fire is burning approximately 10 kilometres south of Vernon this afternoon, Aug. 22, between Vernon and Lake Country, and is slowing traffic on Highway 97 through the area.

B.C. Wildfire Service said the blaze is very visible from Highway 97 and is located near the Bailey Road turn off to Predator Ridge, above Kekuli Bay Provincial Park.

Twenty-two B.C. Wildfire firefighters are currently working the blaze with support from the Vernon and Coldstream fire departments. A helicopter that was helping with fire suppression is no longer needed.

There are reports it was at one point a rank two grass fire.

Drive B.C. have confirmed the southbound lane between Westridge Road and Bailey Road is down to one lane.

For the latest on the status of Highway 97 go to Drive B.C.'s website here.

— This story was updated at 4:44 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, with new information from B.C. Wildfire Service.

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