Vernon Fire Rescue crews at the Blue Stream Motel Wednesday, March 12 (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Motel Fire

Fire broke out at previously burned motel Wednesday

Mar 12, 2025 | 10:59 AM

A motel that was the site of a major fire in 2024 caught fire again Wednesday, March 12.

Vernon Fire Rescue’s Deputy Chief, Alan Hofsink, said crews responded to reports of smoke at the Blue Stream Motel on 32nd Street at approximately 9:30 a.m.

“Upon arrival they found a fire on the outside of the building, on the back side, and crews initiated a quick attack, knocked down the fire and contained the fire to a small extension into the inside,” Hofsing said.

“At this time, they confirmed nobody was inside the building and no injuries are reported.”

The fire had been doused and crews were preparing to leave the scene by 10 a.m.

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The motel was the site of a major fire in August of 2024, and Hofsink said the fire that started Wednesday spread into units already burned in that blaze.

As there were concerns about the structural integrity of the building due to the previous fire, crews were careful to work from outside the motel as much as possible Wednesday

“We have significant structural concerns, that’s why our crews did not enter the building fully,” Hofsink said.

“They did it from a safe location to assess the building and confirm no occupants.”

The Deputy Fire Chief added the property owner had previously tried to secure the premises, adding the city and owner were working together to determine how to deal with the property in the future.

Hofsink did not comment on the suspected cause of the fire as the RCMP had taken over the investigation.