WATCH: North Okanagan residents evacuated after building deemed unsafe

Update February 24, 2015: Former resident Jeannie Houghton, who expressed concern in this story that she would not get her rent money back, says she has now received half of the rent she paid for February and her damage deposit back.

ENDERBY – Eleven people, including four children, have been suddenly left without a home after the building they were living in was declared unsafe. An Order to Evacuate and Do Not Occupy notices have been put up at 509 Mill Avenue after a joint fire and building inspection of the property.

A news release from the City of Enderby states that the inspection revealed unsafe conditions which put the occupants, some of whom are very vulnerable, in significant danger. Some of the hazards include no fire separation between any of the rooms, between the rooms and the hallway corridor or between the sleeping area and the retail space at the front of the building. The City says there are no windows to provide a means of escape if a fire were to occur. There is no fire alarm system and no smoke alarms in the sleeping rooms. Other problems observed during the inspection include a leaky roof, evidence of mold and various ignition sources were on the premises. The City says the property was was in an overall unsanitary state.

During the inspection of the basement, a strong chemical odour was also detected. The Vernon Fire Rescue Hazardous Materials Response Team was brought in to investigate. The RCMP is now involved in that investigation.

Several social agencies as well as the Ministry of Children and Families and Interior Health are now involved in helping the displaced tenants access support and safer living conditions.