Kin Race Track in Vernon turned into fire camp for around 200 personnel

The Kin Race Track in Vernon will be off limits to the public for the next four to six weeks.

It’s not because of construction, but rather because a temporary fire camp has been set up for firefighters working in the North Okanagan Complex.

Around 200 firefighters and support staff who are responding to nearby wildfires, including the 32,500-hectare White Rock Lake wildfire, will use it as a base of operations.

“The BC Wildfire Service sets up camps where they are needed to house and feed firefighting personnel and support staff through the duration of an incident,” explained a City of Vernon release.

“The fire camp provides tent sites for firefighters, kitchen facilities, shower and washroom facilities, warehousing and incident management offices.”

Fire camps are active work sites, which means access to the area will be limited to BCWS personnel and approved visitors only.

Residents are asked not to use the area while camp operations are in place and to respect the privacy of those who will be calling the camp home while they get their much-needed rest.

“For those who may normally use the Kin Race Track area for recreation or walking their dog, residents are encouraged to visit and explore other parks or trails around the City where dogs are permitted,” the City release added.

“The City welcomes (the BCWS) to our community and would like to thank all firefighters and support personnel who are working tirelessly across the province in response to wildfire activities taking place.”