March 5, 2023
Vernon Fire and Rescue quickly extinguished a vehicle fire directly below a grove of cottonwood trees that serve as a seasonal home to nesting Great Blue Herons.
The vehicle was one of the dozens that remain on a property in the 5000 block of 24th street, once owned by nature lover Jan Bos. Bos passed away in 2017 at the age of 76. Bos used the property for vehicle storage for his towing company, Care Towing, and spare parts.
Bos had a passion for the Great Blue Heron and attached a binding covenant to the title of the land to preserve the habitat in 1992.
Great Blue Herons, considered an at-risk species, have nested in the tall cottonwood trees for several decades.
Swan Lake is only a short flight from the property in the 5000 block of 24th street, making it an ideal nesting location for the Herons. From two nesting pairs of Great Blue Herons 30 years ago, the colony has grown to about 100.
It is unknown what sparked the camper fire. The land it rests on is private property with large signs that read "This is a Protected Bird Sanctuary... Absolutely No Trespassing."
Photo Courtesy donnalou: Images of Great Blue Heron on BCs Coast
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