(submitted photo/Brian Martin)

By Liam Verster

Fire Started Around Noon

Firefighters respond to boat fire

Aug 1, 2023 | 12:37 PM

UPDATE 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, August 1:

Vernon Fire Rescue Services responded to a fire on a dry-docked boat at Paddlewheel Park Tuesday.

Firefighters arrived at the scene just after noon August 1 and found the vessel fully engulfed in flames.

The boat was parked in the corner of the park and posed a risk for the fire spreading to nearby trees.

Firefighters contained the blaze to the vessel, and at last update the fire was still being knocked down.

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Boat fire in Paddlewheel Park (City of Vernon photo)

The cause of the fire was unknown at last update, and the city stated no injuries had been reported.

The City of Vernon temporarily closed the Paddlewheel boat launch, but it was reopened at 1:20 p.m.

People are being asked to avoid the area if possible. Motorists who must travel near the area are advised to slow down and watch for emergency personnel.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, the cause of which remains unknown.

Boat fire at Paddlewheel Park (City of Vernon photo)

— Original Story —

Vernon Fire Rescue Services is responding to a houseboat on fire.

Firefighters were dispatched to Paddlewheel Park shortly after noon Tuesday, August 1, to action the fire on the beached vessel.

The City of Vernon confirmed with Vernon Matters at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday that a boat was on fire and that firefighters were knocking it down and containing it to the one vessel.

The city added while the fire is not causing any impact on traffic, motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible. People that do need to travel past the park are urged to slow down and watch for emergency response personnel.