Fire destroys two homes in Vernon

Fire destroyed two homes and a recreational vehicle in Vernon overnight.

Roughly 30 firefighters battled the blaze that broke out in the 7200-block of Longacre Drive at 12:45 a.m. today, June 8.

When firefighters arrived at the scene a motorhome was fully engulfed in flames and the fire was extending to the garage of a nearby home.

"During the initial fire response, there was an explosion that occurred. The fire continued to extend into the rest of the home and into the roof of a neighbouring house," Vernon Fire Rescue deputy fire chief Russ Friesen said in a media release. "Unfortunately, both homes and the motorhome have been lost. A second recreational vehicle also received significant damage.

"This has been a tragic event, however, we are grateful to say that all occupants of both homes were safely evacuated and the residents are now receiving assistance through Emergency Support Services," the release said.

Firefighters from neighbouring departments were called to the scene and one firefighter was injured during the blaze and was transported to hospital for treatment. They have since been released.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and an investigation will take place.

Fire crews were still on the scene this morning addressing hot spots at the site.


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Ben Bulmer

After a decade of globetrotting, U.K. native Ben Bulmer ended up settling in Canada in 2009. Calling Vancouver home he headed back to school and studied journalism at Langara College. From there he headed to Ottawa before winding up in a small anglophone village in Quebec, where he worked for three years at a feisty English language newspaper. Ben is always on the hunt for a good story, an interesting tale and to dig up what really matters to the community.