UPDATE as of 5:30 p.m.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) has cleared the scene of an early-afternoon vehicle fire at the parkade in downtown Vernon.
Following an initial investigation, fire crews confirmed that three vehicles have been lost to fire and several others have sustained damaged; however, the total extent of damage remains unknown.
Bylaw Compliance officials are assisting members of the public with retrieving their vehicles on all levels of the parkade. Once this is complete, the parkade will be closed until further notice to allow for an assessment of the structure to be done.
The fire does not appear to be suspicious and there are no reports of injury. An investigation will be underway. Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the City of Vernon thank everyone for their patience and understanding.
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UPDATE as of 4:45 p.m.
Vernon Fire Rescue and Bylaw Compliance officials have confirmed that all levels of the parkade (including the roof) can now be accessed for vehicle owners to collect their vehicles. Bylaw Officers are on scene to help direct members of the public to the appropriate access point.
No further information is available at this time regarding the cause of fire or total extent of damage. A fire investigation will be underway.
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UPDATE as of 4:30 p.m.
Emergency crews are still assessing and securing the scene of a vehicle fire at the parkade in downtown Vernon. Officials on the scene have confirmed that vehicle owners who parked on Levels 1 and 2 of the parkade may now go down to collect their vehicles.
Level 3 and the roof of the parkade remain closed at this time. More information will be provided as details become available. VFRS and the City of Vernon thank everyone for their patience and understanding.
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Vernon firefighters responded to a vehicle fire in the City’s downtown this afternoon.
At approximately 3:05 p.m., Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) was dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire inside the parkade, located in the 3000-block of 31st Avenue. Smoke from the fire was visible in the surrounding area.
Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a vehicle was involved with fire on the third floor of the parkade. Initial crews on scene worked quickly to knock the fire down and extinguish it, and ensure there was no extension to the building. All offices within the building were evacuated and no injuries have been reported. The cause of fire and total extent of damage is unknown at this time.
The parkade is closed to the public for the time being, but emergency crews are working to assess and secure the scene as quickly as reasonably possible. The public is asked to please stay away from the area so emergency crews have easier access to the scene.
VFRS thanks everyone for their patience. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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