Good Samaritans Quickly Douse Suspicious Grass Fires on Highway 97 in Vernon BC

June 8 2026 - Quick-thinking members of the public helped contain two suspicious grass fires along Highway 97 on Monday afternoon before firefighters arrived on scene.

Quick thinking members of the public helped contain two suspicious grass fires along Highway 97 Monday

Just after 3:30 p.m., multiple callers contacted 911 alleging someone was trying to start a fire in the grassy ditch across from the Vernon Cadet Camp.

When Vernon Fire Rescue Service crews arrived, they found several Good Samaritans, including people walking on the nearby multi-use path and drivers who had pulled over to assist, already working to keep the flames in check.

The bystanders’ efforts prevented the fire from spreading until firefighters took over and fully extinguished it.

While mopping up the first blaze, crews discovered a second grass fire burning several hundred metres to the north, also in the ditch along the multi-use path.

RCMP officers responded to investigate the incidents and interviewed some of the Good Samaritans who had stepped in.

At this time, authorities have not confirmed whether the fires were deliberately set or if another explanation exists.

No injuries were reported, and the fires were kept small thanks to the rapid response of both citizens and emergency crews.

Good Samaritans Quickly Douse Suspicious Grass Fires on Highway 97 in Vernon BC