UPDATE: Vernon firefighters are battling a blaze affecting multiple structures in town
Top of an apartment was evacuated and the area was cordoned off, 932 BC Hydro customers were without power
Update at 9:25 am
932 BC Hydro customers are without power due to a fire in town.
The intersection runs north to south from 30th Avenue to 25th Avenue and west to east from 38th Avenue to 28th Avenue. The fire broke out at 2:30 a.m. due to a power failure.
BC Hydro is on the scene.
Original
A large building is on fire in downtown Vernon.
The fire started around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday when Vernon Fire Rescue Services was dispatched to the 2800 block of 30th Street. Upon arrival, crews found the structure completely engulfed by fire, consisting of several buildings.
Fire Services have all resources available on site, including assistance from the Armstrong Spallmachine Fire Department.
Residents living in Kekuli Center Apartments have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
All members of the public have been asked to stay away from the area. The following roads are closed to all vehicles and pedestrians:
- 30th Street between 25th Avenue (Highway 6) and 30th Avenue;
- 29th Street between 28th and 30th Avenues;
- 27A Avenue between Hwy 6 and 28th Ave.
In addition to fire crews, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, BC Hydro, FortisBC and city utilities are also on scene. The city has also deployed its emergency operation center.
more to come.
@cunninghamjordy
gordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com
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