Update: House fire in Blue Jay subdivision

Dec 10, 2019 | 12:38 PM

A Vernon homeowner expects to have lost pictures, computers and other items after a house fire in the Blue Jay subdivision.

The dispatch call was issued just before 12 p.m., reported as a fire in the basement of a home in the 6400 block of Blue Jay Road.

Extra fire personnel was requested when crews arrived.

The homeowner, who wanted to remain anonymous, says he saw the smoke when he came home from shopping.

“I came back from downtown, from shopping, and I thought ‘That’s funny. It looks like smoke by the back door.’ I opened it up and sure enough. I tried to get in to close it up, but I couldn’t get in there to do it. There was too much smoke,” the man told Vernon Matters.

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He expects it was caused by a wood stove in the basement.

“I think so. That’s the area where I opened the side door, to try and throw water in, and it was right there. It was just all flame.”

He says the house is insured.

The owner says he was out shopping for a new element for his oven before the fire broke out, which he says he doesn’t need anymore.

“I’m going to take it back for a refund,” the man said with a laugh.

Damage to home on Blue Jay Road after a fire (submitted/City of Vernon)

The man says the fire will be difficult for his wife to deal with, as she was at work, and was not aware of the fire.

“It’s going to upset her. I just hope she doesn’t see the smoke at work. I’ll wait until later in the day to go tell her.”

The man said they likely lost pictures and computers, among other things.

Deputy fire chief Dwight Seymour says everyone was out of the home when fire crews arrived and the structure was fully involved.

“Firefighters were able to suppress the fire and contain it to the single house,” said Seymour.

Three fire apparatus and 14 firefighters responded to the call, while BC Ambulance, Fortis, BC Hydro and Emergency Social Services were also on scene. No injuries were reported.

“Emergency Social Services is now working to assist the homeowners,” said Seymour.

The deputy chief says the fire appears to have started in the basement.

“It is now under investigation, but is not considered suspicious.”

by Pete McIntyre

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