Headlines News Wildfire Week
Vernon wildfire 70 per cent contained

Aug. 15, 2012, Vernon, B.C. – A potentially dangerous wildfire that has charred 36 hectares of grassland in the North Okanagan is now 70 per cent contained.

About two dozen firefighters worked through the night to build guards after the blaze was sparked Tuesday afternoon in grass near a subdivision and golf resort in Vernon's Bella Vista neighbourhood.

Fire information officer Kayla Pepper says a crew of 40 took over Wednesday morning and continued the containment efforts.

Strong winds had fanned the flames Tuesday, pushing them to within 10 metres of two homes and prompting a brief evacuation before crews were able to build guards to protect the properties.

The blaze was 20 per cent contained by late Tuesday night, with further guards in place before dawn.

A cause of the fire has not been determined.