Vernon firefighters on scene of house fire at 4505 Valleyview Place (Kevin Rothwell/Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre & Kevin Rothwell

UPDATE Crews respond to house fire in Vernon

Jan 26, 2021 | 9:50 PM

UPDATE 9:50 p.m.

A Vernon home sustained extensive damage from a fire Tuesday evening.

Firefighters received reports that flames could be seen coming from a house in the 4500 block of Valleyview Place around 5:00 p.m. Upon arrival, the crews found a fully-involved fire in the basement area of the structure, which was extending to the main floor of the house. Crews attacked the fire from the backyard and were able to knock it down quickly to gain control.

“Thanks to the quick response and aggressive efforts of our firefighters, the fire was contained and extinguished without incident,” Deputy Fire Chief Scott Hemstad said. “No injuries were reported; however, the occupants of the house have been displaced and are receiving assistance from the City’s Emergency Support Services (ESS) program tonight.”

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Two engines, a rescue unit and approximately 20 firefighters responded to the incident. There is extensive fire, smoke, and water damage to the house.

“During the event, firefighters learned a family cat was missing, but the pet was found safe and sound just a few hours later,” Hemstad said.

As firefighters were establishing a response at the scene, a civilian drove over a hydrant supply line, which has prompted a reminder for residents to please slow down and avoid areas where an emergency response is taking place. Driving over a fire hose is against the law and can be very dangerous for the public and emergency responders.

No cause of fire has been determined and the incident is under investigation.

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Original story 5:15 p.m.

Firefighters doused a house fire in a Vernon neighbourhood.

Fire dispatch announced the reported structure fire just after 5:00 p.m. at 4505 Valleyview Place, which is south of Okanagan Avenue.

Vernon Matters reporter Kevin Rothwell said there was no visible flames at the time he arrived shortly after it broke out as crews had knocked down the fire.

“They have the fans in the front doors trying to clear out the smoke. Full crews are on hand. There is difficulty for people to get into the neighbourhood as they have it all blocked off,” Rothwell said.

Fire personnel said everyone got out safely but there was a concern a cat may have been inside.

(Vernon Matters photo)

Vernon Matters has reached out to the city for more details on the fire.