Vernon firefighters respond to downtown fire in business

Vernon firefighters battled a blaze that began in one of the city's downtown businesses last night.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services responded to the structure fire at approximately 11:30 p.m., Nov. 5. Firefighters were dispatched to a business in the 3100-block of 32 Street. Upon arrival, crews confirmed smoke and fire could be seen from inside a doorway, according to the city's press release.

They quickly knocked the fire down and were able to contain it to a small portion of the building.

Once it was safe for crews to enter the building, they confirmed there were no extensions to other parts of the structure and began addressing smoke that spread to other portions of the business.

“There are some apartments on the second floor of the building, but not immediately above the business where the fire happened,” said deputy fire chief Alan Hofsink, in the press release.

“Everyone was evacuated safely and no injuries were reported during the incident.”

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, BC Ambulance Service and BC Hydro also attended the scene. The cause of fire is under investigation.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.