Firefighters Tackle Noble Canyon Wildfire Near Lavington

Fire crews continue to combat the **Noble Canyon wildfire** near **Lavington**, British Columbia, as of Saturday morning, **September 6, 2023**. The wildfire, located approximately **12.5 kilometres east of Vernon**, quickly expanded to **50 hectares** due to aggressive fire behaviour classified as rank four. Fortunately, overnight cooling temperatures have slowed its growth.

While no new evacuation orders or alerts have been issued this morning, existing ones remain in effect. Fifteen properties along **Highway 6** and **Noble Canyon Road** are currently under evacuation orders, requiring residents to leave immediately. Additionally, a larger number of properties are on evacuation alert, meaning residents should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. In response to the wildfire’s escalation, the **District of Coldstream** declared a local state of emergency.

Efforts to control the fire include work on both the east and west flanks. Firefighters utilized a night vision helicopter for bucket operations overnight, while the **Lavington Fire Department** conducted patrols to monitor the situation. According to **Taylor Stewart-Shantz**, a fire information officer with the **BC Wildfire Service (BCWS)**, crews have returned to the site to continue establishing fuel-free lines aimed at containment.

Currently, **35 personnel** are on-site, supported by fixed-wing planes and helicopters as conditions warrant. Stewart-Shantz noted that more resources are expected to arrive as temperatures rise, with forecasts predicting a high of **29°C** today. While BCWS anticipates increased fire behaviour with the heat, the existing smoke in the region may help moderate temperatures and boost humidity.

The fire displayed lower intensity overnight, showing rank one and two behaviour, indicating a shift from smouldering to a low vigour surface fire. As of Saturday morning, it remains classified as out of control, with expectations for growth primarily to the north, where fewer structures are located.

In light of the situation, the District of Coldstream has extended its **Emergency Social Services (ESS)** registration centre at municipal hall, located at **9901 Kalamalka Rd.**, until **16:00** on Saturday. Residents under evacuation orders can register for emergency support services either at the municipal hall or online. Those without family or friends to stay with may also seek assistance from the provincial government, particularly if their home insurance does not cover evacuation-related expenses.

Community support has emerged, with local business owner **Heather Lastik Hilton** of **COBS Bread** in Vernon offering baked goods to evacuees in need of food. This initiative highlights the community’s solidarity during this challenging time, as efforts from both firefighting crews and local citizens continue to mitigate the impact of the wildfire.