UPDATE: The firefighter who took a 30 meter slide down a steep slope yesterday is reportedly back on the fire line today. Yesterday the man was checked out and released from Kelowna Hospital.
Original Story: A wildfire fighter was injured today after he fell approximately 100 feet. The extent of the man's injuries is not known but they are not believed to be serious.
Exclusive: Just after 10 am Vernon emergency services were dispatched to a long fall injury. The injured man wearing the familiar red shirt worn by front line wildfire fighters was transported to Vernon airport by helicopter where Vernon Fire and Ambulance were waiting. The man was assessed while still in the helicopter before being transported.
The extent of the man's injuries are not known. As he was being moved from the helicopter to the ambulance on a backboard bandages could be seen on his forearms, and he was missing a left shoe.
The White Rock Lake fire is still classified as out of control. The 82,000-hectare wildfire is currently 10km west of Vernon, across Okanagan Lake. The wildfire service has been conducting controlled burns for the last couple of days on the hills above the northwest end of Okanagan Lake.
Tags: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: White Rock Lake Fire Fighter Injured
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