The vehicles destroyed in the fire outside downtown Vernon Friday, Jan. 3 (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Vehicle Fires

Vehicles destroyed, apartment building damaged in fire

Jan 3, 2025 | 11:19 AM

A fire early Friday morning destroyed two vehicles and caused damage to a residential building.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) responded to a report of vehicles on fire in the parking lot of an apartment building in the 3600-block of 30th Ave. around 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3.

Crews arrived on the scene and found two cars fully engulfed in flames, with the fire extending to the building above.

The vehicle fires were quickly extinguished, and firefighters then moved into the building to put out the flames in the suite directly above the subject car.

Firefighters were also informed during the operation that not all residents were accounted for, and went through the building to assist two residents and get them outside.

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VFRS said several suites sustained extensive fire, smoke and water damage, and the residents in the affected units were being supported by Emergency Support Services.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

VFRS and police closed off 30th Ave. between 37th St. and 31st Av. for several hours Friday as the incident was brought under control.

The cause of the fire was under investigation as of 11 a.m. Friday.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP were stationed outside the apartment building Friday morning, but police had not responded to Vernon Matters request for comment as of time of publication.

VFRS reminds people to quickly evacuate buildings when fire alarms sounds.