Several downtown Vernon businesses in one building complex were destroyed in a suspicious fire, Tuesday.
Around 2:30 a.m., Vernon Fire Rescue Services started fighting the fire in the 2800 block of 30th Street. A restaurant, boutique, salon and costume shop are believed to be in the building that went up in flames.
Crews have confirmed that only one structure with multiple units (each containing a separate business) was involved in the fire.
Crews have contained the fire, keeping it from spreading to adjacent buildings.
“The roof of the structure that was involved with fire has collapsed, making it difficult for firefighters to attack the interior of the building,” said Deputy Fire Chief Alan Hofsink.
“Heavy equipment is now being brought down to the site to assist with tearing down walls. This will help crews gain better access to the interior so they can attack hot spots. Crews will remain on scene for several more hours.”
The city said in a press release that apparatus and firefighters from the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department are on scene to assist with the response.”
Residents in the Kekuli Centre apartments, a 19-unit building for homeless and at-risk residents, was evacuated as a precaution, and remains evacuated. No additional evacuations have been deemed necessary at this time.
Fire chief David Lind said they’ve yet to find a specific ignition point but the fire is under investigation, and it is suspicious in nature at this time.
No one was injured in the blaze, but it was a close call for one person and their dog, who managed to flee from the flames.
“At this point, everyone is accounted for within the building,” Lind said.
The fire was so severe, that the building is now in the process of being demolished, as it is considered a risk to the public.
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