Police investigating fire that spread to roof of Rec Centre building

Fire crews had to knock down a blaze on the outside of the Priest Valley Gymnasium Saturday night.

Vernon Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 9:20 p.m. in the 3400 block of 35 Avenue, site of the recreation complex buildings.

Upon arrival, crews found a large juniper bush on fire on the south side of the gymnasium building.

“By the time crews arrived, the fire had already extended to the building and was active in the roof – which is made of cedar shakes,” said Deputy Chief Scott Hemstad. “Firefighters quickly pulled off a line and knocked the fire down on the roof before it could extend too far into the building and then extinguished the bush below.”