People forced to evacuate from the Blue Stream Motel after a fire broke out in the top floor Tuesday, August 27 (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Motel Fire

ESS helping those displaced by motel fire find new shelter

Aug 28, 2024 | 12:36 PM

People who were staying at the Blue Stream Motel that caught fire Tuesday were provided with assistance in finding a new place to stay.

The City of Vernon said its Emergency Support Services (ESS) team was able to assist the 14 people and two pets displaced by the motel fire find new accommodation as of noon Wednesday.

People forced to evacuate from the Blue Stream Motel after a fire broke out in the top floor Tuesday, August 27 (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

The fire in the 4200 block of 32nd Street needed the road to be closed in both directions as Vernon Fire Rescue Service crews, with assistance from the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department, battled the blaze.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP also attended the scene to help make sure the building was cleared of residents and to redirect traffic around the area.

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The fire was contained to the upper floor units and the roof, though the building was severely damaged by fire, heat, smoke and water. Emergency personnel were at the scene for several hours Tuesday to make sure the fire was fully extinguished.

“The fire grew and spread quickly,” Fire Chief David Lind, said.

“The first arriving firefighters effectively applied large amounts of water to the fire using master streams to control the fire’s spread. This quick action made all the difference in getting the fire under control quickly. Vernon’s Emergency Support Services team has done an excellent job to ensure those affected have the necessary resources and support during this challenging time.”

Fire crews actioning the blaze at the Blue Stream Motel Tuesday, August 27 (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

There were no injuries reported due to the fire.

“B.C. Emergency Health Services received a call at 4:59 p.m. yesterday (August 27, 2024) about a structure fire in the 4200-block of 32nd Street in Vernon,” BCEHS public information officer, Rachelle Brown, told Vernon Matters in an emailed statement.

“Two ambulances with primary care paramedics, an advanced care paramedic response unit, an area manager and a supervisor attended the scene. Paramedics did not assess or transport any patients to hospital.”

The property was taped off Wednesday morning as police investigated the cause of the fire. Anyone with information on the blaze is asked to call the RCMP at 250-545-7171 or to file an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers online or at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).