Skip to content

Military using white flares near Cultus Lake

Don't call the RCMP if you see white flares over Cultus Lake this month. It's a unit of military officers in training.

Don't call the RCMP if you see white flares over Cultus Lake.

Police say it's just a group of military police officers, conducting training scenarios in the southern part of Chilliwack near Cultus Lake until Oct. 20.

Canadian Forces officials said the main type of flares they will use are white ones called Para Flares, which illuminate the ground below.

Although RCMP have not received any reports from the public yet about seeing bright lights, they are being proactive.

"It is common to get reports from the public about flares being seen in the Cultus Lake area," said RCMP Const. Tracy Wolbeck.

This automatically triggers an investigation that can create a callout for volunteer Search and Rescue personnel.

"We want to make sure the public are aware of the training the military is conducting in an effort to prevent calls regarding their flares," added Wolbeck.

But any other colour flare such as red, could mean "someone is in trouble and requires police assistance."



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
Read more