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July 02, 2025 - 11:18 AM
Canada Day celebrations took a dangerous turn when illegal fireworks sparked a grass fire in Vernon.
Vernon RCMP and Vernon Fire Rescue were called to a grass fire at Bella Vista Road and Okanagan Hills Boulevard around 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, according to a press release from police.
Firefighters quickly contained the blaze before it reached any structures.
Police gathered evidence and believe illegal fireworks started the fire so the evidence is being tested by the Forensic Identification Section.
Officers interviewed witnesses at the scene and think the fire started between 10:40 p.m. and 10:50 p.m.
Witnesses saw two people on a dirt bike wearing full face helmets in the area.
Anyone with information or dash camera footage of the area around the time of the fire has been asked to contact police at 250-545-7171.
Tips can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online, and tipsters that lead to an arrest could get a cash reward.
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