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Smoke from wildfires burning in Northern BC and Alberta has reached Vernon and Coldstream. Air Quality or AQ is rated at 7, high health risk. What can you do? "Vernon Fire Rescue Services Vernon Fire Rescue Services is urging everyone to practice extreme caution while conducting outdoor activities to help prevent the start of human-caused wildfires." RDNO has implemented Stage 1 Water Restrictions for all Greater Vernon Water (GVW) customers. This includes properties that the GVW Utility services within the: City of Vernon District of Coldstream Portions of Electoral Areas ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ and Spallumcheen Music by CHIMES Tags: Smokey Vernon and Coldstream Skies VIDEO

A column of thick black smoke could be seen from all over Vernon early Monday afternoon. Shortly after 2 PM fire dispatch started receiving multiple calls to 911. At first, callers believed there was a car fire on Highway 97 just south of the 27th Street exit. Upon arrival, Vernon Fire Rescue confirmed it was a tent burning in a homeless camp just west of Highway 97 and 27th Street overpass. Vernon Fire Rescue quickly doused the blaze. BX Swan Lake Fire Hall and the RCMP were also dispatched. Highway 97 was down to one lane in each direction for a short time. No cause for the fire or reports of injuries. A person living in a nearby camp said he heard popping and a loud bang just before he spotted the fire. Tags: Thick Black Smoke Seen Over Vernon

The North Okanagan region in British Columbia is home to a fascinating array of wildlife. One avian visitor that was on video is the Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri). This small but captivating bird adds a splash of vibrant colors to the local ecosystem and brings joy to those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of its beauty. The Black-chinned Hummingbird is native to North America and has a wide distribution across the western parts of the continent, including British Columbia. During the summer months, these migratory birds can be found throughout the North Okanagan, where they establish their breeding territories. As autumn approaches, they embark on a remarkable journey, migrating to warmer regions in Mexico and Central America to spend the winter. One of the distinguishing features of the Black-chinned Hummingbird is its elegant appearance. As the name suggests, this species exhibits a distinct black stripe that extends from its beak to its throat, contrasting with its iridescent green feathers. Males often have a vibrant purple throat patch, which shimmers in the sunlight, while females possess a lighter coloration and lack the striking throat patch. The Black-chinned Hummingbird brings a touch of enchantment to the North Okanagan with its vibrant colors and unique habits. Tags: The Black-chinned Hummingbird: A Delightful Visitor to the North Okanagan

May 13, 2023: Coldstream residents hit Kalamalka Beach to beat the heat as unseasonably Hot Weather Sweeps BC Interior. Hundreds took to the cool water of Kalamalka Lake today. The BC Interior is currently in the grip of unseasonably hot weather, and meteorologists predict that the scorching conditions will persist throughout the weekend and into early next week. The elevated temperatures, which are expected to reach record-breaking levels, have raised concerns about various heat-related hazards and potential impacts on the region. According to weather experts, daytime highs will surge into the low to mid-30s over the central and southern interior, while the northern regions will experience temperatures in the mid to high 20s. Overnight and early morning lows will remain in the low to mid-teens. These deviations from the seasonal norms, with temperatures surpassing the average by 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day and 5 to 10 degrees Celsius during the night, have caught many residents off guard. Water Hazards and Warnings The increasing temperatures have triggered rising freezing levels, leading to accelerated snowpack melting. This rapid melting process raises concerns about potential local flooding due to heightened stream flow levels. Residents are advised to remain cautious and prepared for any potential flood-related issues. As well as flooding concerns, the prolonged heatwave poses a risk of heat-related illnesses. As temperatures soar, the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke increases significantly. Health officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, seeking shade or air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. While these developing heat conditions may result in daily temperature records being broken, experts emphasize that the current hot spell is not expected to reach the extreme levels witnessed during the infamous "Heat Dome" event in late June 2021. Nevertheless, the severity of the ongoing heatwave should not be underestimated, and residents are advised to prioritize their well-being and safety. The weather forecast for the upcoming days indicates clear skies and scorching temperatures. On Sunday, the mercury is expected to rise as high as 30 degrees Celsius, with abundant sunshine throughout the day. The following days will maintain similar patterns, with sunny conditions, minimal cloud cover, and temperatures hovering around the low 30s. Nighttime temperatures are projected to remain relatively mild, ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius. As the heatwave continues to impact the BC Interior, residents are urged to stay updated on weather alerts and advisories issued by local authorities. It is essential to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to stay safe and cool during this unseasonably hot period. Normals: Average Maximum Temperature: 19°C Average Minimum Temperature: 6°C Averages and Extremes: Highest temperature recorded between 1992-2007: 27.9°C (1997) Lowest temperature recorded between 1992-2007: 3.4°C (2006) Greatest precipitation recorded between 1992-2007: 5.8 mm (2002) Information compiled from Environment Canada Tags: Coldstream residents hit Kalamalka Beach to beat the heat as unseasonably Hot Weather Sweeps BC Interior. It's Hot Hot Hot in Coldstream!

May 12, 2023: The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is reminding residents to be extra cautious around water. High temperatures forecast for the weekend will accelerate snowmelt into next week. The RDNO is monitoring the ongoing freshet with an active Level 1 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The RDNO has issued the following updates: Silver Star Mountain has approximately 900mm of snowpack remaining. As it melts, significant water flows through BX Creek. "To ensure safety, avoid BX Creek for at least the next week due to swift-moving water and rising stream levels. Part of the BX Creek Trail near the BX Dog Park is closed, so dog owners must be cautious." Residents in flood-prone areas should remain vigilant and update their household emergency plans. Public Safety Guidelines: 1 - Stay away from creek, river, and stream edges as high flow can make riverbanks unstable. 2 - Although temperatures may be tempting, be cautious of cool lakes as they pose a risk of hypothermia and cold-water shock. 3 - Exercise caution with open flames or campfires due to increased wildfire risk. Always attend to fires, have water or a hand tool nearby, and fully extinguish campfires before leaving. Sand and Sandbag Locations: 1 - Cherryville Community Hall, 158 North Fork Rd, Cherryville 2 - BX Community Park (beside BX-Swan Lake Fire Hall), 5764 Silver Star Rd 3 - City of Enderby Public Works Department, 2308 McGowan St Enderby 4 - Lumby Curling Club (across the street parking lot), Near 2270 Shields Ave, Lumby 5 - City of Vernon Public Works Yard (back gate on Pleasant Valley Rd), 1900-48 Ave, Vernon 6 - Mara Lake Community Hall, 11 Coell Jones Rd, Mara 7 - Crystal Sands Estates Entrance, 8192 Highway 97A, Mara Tags: 2023 Spring Freshet Update and Public Safety Reminders

Coldstream Fire and BC Wildfire Service attended a brush fire above Juniper and Jade Bay beaches on Rattlesnake Hill shortly after 2:30 Friday afternoon. Firefighters attacking the 100 by-150-meter fire had to deal with steep rocky terrain and temperatures in the high 20s. An air tanker was called in and made three runs, dropping bright red fire retardant to slow the fire's progress. The Rattlesnake Hill wildfire (K40277), is approximately six kilometers south of Vernon BC. Crews report the 0.4-hectare wildfire is contained as of 6PM. No cause has been released. No injuries or property damage has been reported. Thick smoke from the fire could be seen from Highway 97 and Coldstream. For more info on the aircraft check this link https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/c-gvfh Tags: Kalamalka Lake Park Brush Fire on Rattlesnake Hill Attacked by Water Bomber

For months, people entering Vernon from the north were greeted by tents and garbage out in the open between the CN rail line and The Brick near Anderson Way and 27th Street. It's not clear who removed the items or if the location could be described as a homeless camp, although two tents did appear to be occupied. In mid-April, the items included a bicycle, a lawn chair, a cooler, tarps, totes, shoes, garbage bags, a grocery shopping cart, a hand truck, a sleeping bag, a suitcase, and a garbage bin, as well as clothing. As of May 11th, all the items and tents had been cleared from the area.

Salmon River, Coldstream Creek, BX Creek and farmland between Westwold and Falkland are not making the news but are seeing very high water levels. Tags: Rivers and Creeks Running High in North Okanagan Region

Flood water from Whiteman Creek has been diverted away from the Okanagan Lake community revealing a startling amount of damage. Early Tuesday morning residents of Parker Cove of Westside Road were awakened after Whiteman Creek burst its banks flooding many homes and turning one of the communities roads into a river. At least a dozen homes were surrounded by fast-moving water, despite a wall of sandbags built by the residents, volunteers, and the Okanagan Indian Band. Warm weather melting mountain snowpacks are being blamed for the high water flow Ministry of Forests has issued several flood and high streamflow warnings for the Okanagan Officials remind people to, • Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks • Avoid recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, or hiking near high streamflow rivers or streams • Remember, high streamflow can easily trap strong swimmers, increasing the risk of drowning Tags: Parker Cove Flood UPDATE, Okanagan Lake Community

Residents of the Westside Road community, Parker Cove, were awakened early Tuesday morning after Whiteman Creek burst its banks flooding many homes. At least a dozen homes were surrounded by fast moving water. The residents rallied and built a wall of sandbags in an attempt the limit the damage. Their heroic efforts were partially successful. Nevertheless many are unable to return to their homes until the water subsides. Warm weather melting mountain snowpacks is being blamed for the high water flow Ministry of Forests has issued a flood and high streamflow warning for Whiteman Creek. Sunny warm weather is predicted until a possible cooling trend starts Thursday. That change may also bring rain to some regions. Ministry of Forests estimates Whiteman Creek are are likely in excess of 10-year to 20-year flows. Officials are reminding the public being near riverbanks, creeks and fast-flowing bodies of water is dangerous: • Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks • Avoid recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, or hiking near high streamflow rivers or streams • Remember, high streamflow can easily trap strong swimmers, increasing the risk of drowning Tags: Flooding Hits Parker Cove, Okanagan Lake Community

A single-vehicle rollover accident occurred around 3 PM Saturday, April 29, 2023. At least one person was transported from the accident scene to a BC Ambulance MEDIVAC helicopter waiting a short distance from where the incident occurred. BC Ambulance, RCMP and Lumby Fire attended the call. No information has been released as to the number of injured, the injuries sustained, or a possible cause for the accident. Tag: Highway 6 Accident 20 Minutes East of Cherryville

A multiple-vehicle MVI closed lanes at Highway 97 and 48th Avenue in Vernon around 1 PM Saturday, April 29th 2023. As many as 5 vehicles may have been involved. It's not known at this time if there were any injuries as a result of the multiple-vehicle accident. Tags, Highway 97 and 48 Ave Multi-Vehicle Accident Vernon