Wildfire and Smoke Season: Readiness Tips for Vernon Homeowners
Quick answer: Sign up for Alertable, the emergency notification system the City of Vernon uses, tidy up the area around your home using FireSmart guidance, know the City's campfire rules, and have a household plan and grab-and-go kit ready before summer.
Wildfire and smoke have become part of summer in the Okanagan. East Hill sits in an established part of Vernon, close to downtown and Vernon Jubilee Hospital, but smoke doesn't respect neighbourhood lines, and emergencies anywhere in the North Okanagan can affect your plans. A little preparation in spring makes the season far less stressful.
Step 1: Get emergency alerts the right way
The City of Vernon uses Alertable, a free and anonymous notification system also used across the North Okanagan. You can receive alerts through:
- the Alertable mobile app (the City's recommended option);
- text messages or voice calls, by registering at alertable.ca;
- email, by signing up at vernon.ca/subscribe; and
- browser notifications or a smart speaker.
After signing up, follow "Vernon, BC." Only critical alerts, like evacuation orders, go out by phone call or text, so the app gives you the most complete picture. The national Alert Ready system may also broadcast major emergencies to your phone.
When an alert arrives, the Regional District of North Okanagan suggests you stop, pause and read the whole notification. Alert zones can be larger than the area actually affected.
Step 2: Make your property FireSmart
FireSmart is the program for reducing wildfire risk around homes, and its guidance focuses on your "home ignition zone": the house itself and the area right around it, where embers and small flames are most likely to find something to burn.
Things you can do this weekend
- Clear dry leaves and needles from gutters, roofs and decks.
- Move firewood, lumber and other burnable items away from the house.
- Keep grass short and watered where watering rules allow.
- Swap bark mulch against the foundation for gravel or other non-combustible material.
- Prune low tree branches and remove dead plants near the house.
Get an assessment
The City of Vernon offers FireSmart home assessments through the FireSmart Home Partners Property Assessment Application Form. There's often a wait list, so apply early. In the meantime, FireSmart BC has a free Home Ignition Zone self-assessment tool online. As of 2026, the City says it has no rebate programs for FireSmart work, so improvements are at the owner's cost.
Neighbours can also work together toward "FireSmart Recognized Neighbourhood" status, which involves an annual community event and meeting other program criteria. It's a great way to meet people on your street.
Step 3: Know the fire rules in the City
Vernon's fire rules are stricter than many people expect. Under the City's guidance:
- A campfire can be no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
- You can't light a campfire or outdoor fireplace when the Air Quality Health Index is above 3, when the Ventilation Index is below 55, during hazardous conditions, or during a fire ban.
- Open burning permits are only issued between November 1 and April 30, and can be cancelled during a fire ban.
The City also publishes a Fire Interface Zone map, and its fire prevention office can answer questions. Rules change, so check vernon.ca before lighting anything.
Step 4: Plan for smoke days
Even when fires are far away, smoke can settle in the valley for days. Many East Hill homes are older, which can mean draftier windows and doors. On smoky days:
- Keep windows and doors closed and check the Air Quality Health Index before exercising outdoors.
- Consider a portable HEPA air cleaner for at least one room where you sleep.
- If you have a forced-air system, ask a heating professional which filter your system can handle.
- Check on neighbours who may be more sensitive to smoke, such as older adults and families with young children.
Step 5: Have a household plan and kit
- Pack a grab-and-go kit with water, snacks, medications, phone chargers, copies of key documents, and supplies for pets.
- Decide where you'd go and how you'd get there if asked to leave, including a second route.
- Take photos or video of your home's contents for insurance purposes.
- Review your home insurance with your broker so you know what's covered.
Buying on East Hill and wondering what to ask about a home's roof, vegetation or insurance? Our buying in East Hill page and FAQ are good next stops. Tim Jones, a fellow agent we feature as our local East Hill expert, can also share neighbourhood insight. Meet him on our local expert page.
FAQ
How do I get emergency alerts for East Hill in Vernon?
Download the free Alertable app, or register for texts, calls or email, and follow "Vernon, BC." It's the system the City of Vernon uses for emergency notifications.
Can I have a backyard fire pit on East Hill?
Small campfires may be allowed within City size limits, but not when the Air Quality Health Index is above 3, the Ventilation Index is below 55, or a fire ban is on. Check vernon.ca before lighting.
Does the City of Vernon offer FireSmart rebates?
As of 2026, the City says there are no FireSmart rebate programs, but it does offer home assessments through an application form, often with a wait list.
Questions about East Hill homes and what to look for before buying? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
