Military Bomb Found At Fire Site Posted on 8/29/2016 11:12 AM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

Posted on 8/29/2016 11:12 AM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

Mop up duties on the wildfire site near Predator Ridge had to be suspended Sunday after an unexploded ordnance was found in the area. Vernon Fire Rescue Chief Keith Green says the proper precautions were taken. "One of the (Wildfire Service fire fighters) stumbled across it while we were mopping up, and we were spread out all over the place. So, once we had a look at what was found, we pulled everyone back to staging and called the RCMP." A crew from the Department of National Defense is on the way to the area to collect and dispose of the ordnance. Green says it was likely left over from military training held in the Vernon area dating back to World War 2. "In talking with the land owner's family, they said that is the furthest one towards Predator they have ever heard of, but we know this area was used as a training ground and many have been found on the Commonage side and the lake side, along with in Kal Park and some near Goose Lake." If an ordnance is discovered, people are advised to leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1 to report it. The fire, which charred about ten hectares near Kokanee Road and north of Predator Ridge Saturday, was caused by a downed power line, caused by the strong wind that day. Fourty-five homes in Sunset Properties were put on evacuation alert Saturday, which was rescinded Sunday once the fire was officially under control. Green says crews are still monitoring for any hot spots at the fire scene.