A BC Wildfire Services firefighter fell more than 100 feet down a steep slope while fighting the White Rock Lake wildfire Thursday, Aug. 26.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services and BC Ambulance were called out to the airport after 11 a.m. to meet the helicopter carrying the injured firefighter.
BC Wildfire Services manager of operations Todd Nessman said the firefighter was taken to Kelowna General Hospital by ground ambulance, indicating he was in much better shape than what was initially presumed.
During the provincial update Thursday, Nessman said details of the fall are limited, but preliminary reports show the firefighter was working on a steep slope when something became dislodged and he fell “upwards of 100 feet.”
The injuries, he said, are believed to be non-life-threatening.
BC Wildfire Services confirmed Friday, Aug. 27, the firefighter was already back at the camp and no substantial injuries were sustained.
*Editor’s note: this story was updated Friday, Aug. 27, with quotes from Nessman.
An injured firefighter was transported to Vernon airport to be assessed. #moretocome pic.twitter.com/7y9B4a2DuD
— Vernon Morning Star (@VernonNews) August 26, 2021
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